Employee Workplace Rights



OSHA: Employee Workplace Rights

OSHA 3021-08R 2003

This informational booklet provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements.

This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required.

This information is available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

OSHA: Employee Workplace Rights

U.S. Department of Labor Elaine L. Chao, Secretary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary

OSHA 3021-08R 2003

Contents

Introduction...3 Worker Rights Under the OSH Act...3 Worker Rights to Information...5 Worker Rights to Access Records and Test Results...6 Worker Rights to Promote Workplace Safety...7 Worker Rights During the Inspection Process...9 Worker Rights to Protection from Retaliation...10 Worker Rights in State-Plan States...14 Worker Responsibilities...15 OSHA Assistance, Services, and Programs...15 OSHA Regional Office Directory...21

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Introduction

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the Department of Labor and encouraged employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards and to implement safety and health programs. The Act gave employees many new rights and responsibilities. This booklet discusses these rights and responsibilities and encourages employees to work cooperatively with employers to promote safe and healthful workplaces that add value to everyone: businesses, workplaces, and workers' lives.

Worker Rights Under the OSH Act

The law encourages workers to be active players in their workplace's safety and health effort. It gives employees the right to Review copies of appropriate standards, rules,

regulations, and requirements that the employer is required to have available at the workplace; Request information from the employer on safety and health hazards in the workplace, appropriate precautions to take, and procedures to follow if the employee is involved in an accident or is exposed to toxic substances; Gain access to relevant employee exposure and medical records; Request an OSHA inspection if they believe hazardous conditions or violations of standards exist in the workplace; Accompany an OSHA compliance officer during the inspection tour, or have an authorized employee representative do so; Respond to questions from the OSHA compliance officer;

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