OSHA Employee Rights Explained

OSHA Employee Rights Explained by Safety Counselling 505-881-1112

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was formed in 1970, and it provided workers with a right to work in a secure as well as the hygienic environment. Secure and hygienic generally means that the work environment is free of any danger or risks. In case all the menaces cannot be removed completely, then workers must be provided with protection methods that ensure their safety. Here are some examples of what a secured workplace looks like:

  • Training for fall protection is necessary when working at high levels on a construction site. 
  • Equipment that can be risky such as the ones with rotating or moving parts must also be guarded. 
  • There are protective systems in place when working in/nearby trenches. Trenches are thoroughly inspected for any hazards as well before workers can start working at that site.
  • Noise protection is provided, and proper training is given to the workers to keep themselves safe, especially when workers are working at a place where noise levels are too high. There are also proper measures taken to keep the noise levels controlled.
  • Protection from chemical hazards is provided, including an evaluation of chemicals used, a written program including a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), worker protection such as gloves, and information and training.
  • Safety against risks associated with different chemicals is also ensured. This includes providing Material Safety Data Sheet, chemical evaluation, and worker protection (for example, proper education, information, and providing gloves). 

Worker Rights

Ever since OSHA was created, workers have had more rights when it comes to safety as well as their health-related concerns. OSHA introduced more standards such as Hazard Communications or Right to Know standards, which further provided workers with additional leverages. An example of this is the requirement to post OSHA Job Safety and Health, which basically is the Law Poster in various workplaces. This Law brought forward some rights for employees such as; 

  • Workers have the right to inform their employers about dangers at workplaces themselves. Furthermore, the company is bound to keep your name hidden regarding this if you desire. 
  • If you feel that your workplace is hazardous or a risk to your safety, you can inform the OSHA about it and request for inspection. You, yourself, alongside your senior supervisors or administrator, can also participate in this investigation.
  • You can also demand to see the OSHA citation, which is normally issued to employers. Employers need to publish or attach the OSHA citation near the place claimed to be unsafe. On top of that, he must be able to provide additional data to further confirm the safety of the workplace if demanded. 
  • Moreover, your employer also has the duty to eliminate the safety risks that were mentioned and must have a legal certification that there are no such risks at the workplace. 
  • You can also keep records proving that you are exposed to venomous substances at the places of your work and can also demand medical records accordingly. 

To further learn about what are the rights of workers, follow this link http://www.osha.gov/workers.html