OSHA and Workplace Safety

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces health and safety guidelines for workplaces, helps with compliance and sets policies. Illnesses and injuries are bound to happen in even the safest conditions, but employees have the right to a reasonably safe and healthy workplace.

OSHA & Employee Rights

OSHA, created within the Department of Labor (DOL), gives employees the following rights:

• Access to appropriate rules, requirements and regulations related to health and safety
• Access to pertinent employee exposure information and medical records
• Right to request an OSHA inspection of the workplace if hazardous conditions are suspected, with the accompaniment of an authorized employee representative
• Right to file a written complaint with OSHA without the employer's knowledge of his or her identity

OSHA & Employer Obligations

Employers have the following obligations under OSHA:

• Maintain a workplace free from recognizable hazards
• Provide employees with information about applicable OSHA safety and health standards in the workplace
• Prominently display the official OSHA poster describing relevant rights and responsibilities
• Create a written hazard communication plan, including rules for container labeling and employee training
• Provide information for employees on how to access their medical and exposure records upon request

OSHA Inspections

Employees who believe a workplace hazard is not being remedied may contact their local or state OSHA office with a written complaint. OSHA officials will conduct an inspection if they reasonably believe a hazard or violation exists. An employee representative, chosen by the union or by the employees, may accompany the OSHA officer during the inspection.

The OSHA officer may inspect the entire workplace or just a limited area, depending on the scope of the complaint. At the conclusion of the inspection, the OSHA officer will discuss how to correct any found hazards with the employee representative and the employer.