Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to guarantee workplace safety. It details the rights of the workers and employer obligations to ensure that the workplace is free of safety hazards such as excessive noise, toxic chemicals, equipment-related dangers, and unsanitary conditions. OSHA, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, enforces this act. A personal injury lawyer from Robert J. DeBry & Associates can help employees if they have been injured in the workplace.
Employee Rights under the OSHA Act
The OSHA Act gives employees the following rights: Employees have a right to receive clear training in understandable terms on the possible hazards, applicable OSHA laws, and ways to avoid accidents. They should also obtain and review documents on job-related injuries and illnesses at the site. The law also allows them to ask OSHA to inspect the workplace confidently and, if they desire, take part in the scrutiny.
Besides, the law provides that workers should not face discrimination for making complaints or inquiries to OSHA. Workers also have a right to view the results of any tests conducted on hazards such as air, chemical, and mechanical dangers. It also investigates personal injury cases.
Employer Obligations
Employers should provide a safe workplace that is free of any hazards. If such hazards exist, the employer should eliminate or minimize their impact. Where hazards are part of the daily operations, the employer should provide enough safeguards and protective gear for its workers without charging them. Robert J. DeBry & Associates can help employees get compensation for work-related accidents.
In addition, if there are new hazards, the employer should provide training to address the new risk. If an employer fails to address workplace hazards, employees have a right to report the matter to OSHA for action. They can do this in confidence, and OSHA will act without exposing their identities. A personal injury lawyer can help sue if a personal injury has occurred in the workplace, especially if they are in violation of the law.