As stated in this Workers Rights booklet, “you have the right to a safe workplace.” This is according to The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act). “The OSH Act gives workers the right to safe and healthful working conditions. It is the duty of employers to provide workplaces that are free of known dangers that could harm their employees. This law also gives workers important rights to participate in activities to ensure their protection from job hazards.”
This booklet explains workers’ rights to:
- File a confidential complaint with OSHA to have their workplace inspected.
- Receive information and training about hazards, methods to prevent harm, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.
- Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses that occur in their workplace.
- Receive copies of the results from tests and monitoring done to find and measure hazards in the workplace.
- Get copies of their workplace medical records.
- Participate in an OSHA inspection and speak in private with the inspector.
- File a complaint with OSHA if they have been retaliated against by their employer as the result of requesting an inspection or using any of their other rights under the OSH Act.
- File a complaint if punished or retaliated against for acting as a “whistleblower.”
If you are concerned about your safety and rights within the workplace, this resource is a handy guide for future reference.
Introduction 3
Worker Protection is the Law of the Land 3
Workers’ Rights under the OSH Act 3
Employer Responsibilities 4
Who Does OSHA Cover 5
Private Sector Workers 5
State and Local Government Workers 5
Federal Government Workers 5
Not Covered under the OSH Act 6
Worker Rights in State-Plan States 6
Right to a Safe and Healthful Workplace 7
Employers’ “General Duty” 7
OSHA Standards: Protection on the Job 7
Right to be Provided Protective Equipment Free of Charge 8
Right to Information 8
OSHA Worksite Investigations 10
Right to File a Complaint with OSHA to Request an On-site OSHA Inspection 11
Rights of Workers during an Inspection 12
Workers’ Rights following Issuance of Citations 13
Right to Information if No Inspection is Conducted or No Citation Issued 14
Right to Use Your Rights: Protection against Retaliation Whistleblower Protection 14
If There is a Dangerous Situation at Work 16
Additional Whistleblower Protections 16
OSHA Assistance, Services, and Programs 21
Establishing a Safety and Health Program 21
Compliance Assistance Specialists 21
No Cost On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Services for Small Business 22
Cooperative Programs 22
Occupational Safety and Health Training 23
OSHA Educational Materials 23
How to Contact OSHA 23
OSHA Regional Offices 24
All workers, safety and health officials engaged in protecting worker’s rights as well as local, state, and federal union officials serving in labor relations should secure a copy of this key resource for reference purposes and guidance in worker-labor relations.
Product Details
- OSHA 3021 06R
- Occupational Safety and Health
