What are employers' responsibilities?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a safe and healthful workplace free of recognized hazards and to follow OSHA standards. Employers' responsibilities also include providing training, medical examinations and recordkeeping.

What is an OSHA standard?

OSHA issues standards or rules to protect workers against many hazards on the job. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safety practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Employers can be cited and fined if they do not comply with OSHA standards. It is also possible for an employer to be cited under OSHA's General Duty Clause, which requires employers to keep their workplaces free of serious recognized hazards. This clause is generally cited when no OSHA standard applies to the hazard.

What can I do if I think my workplace is unsafe?

If you believe working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful, we recommend that you bring the conditions to your employer's attention, if possible. Your employer may want to contact OSHA or your state consultation service in order to gather information about how to improve working conditions.

You may file a complaint with OSHA concerning a hazardous working condition at any time. However, you should not leave the worksite merely because you have filed a complaint. If the condition clearly presents a risk of death or serious physical harm, there is not sufficient time for OSHA to inspect, and, where possible, you have brought the condition to the attention of your employer, you may have a legal right to refuse to work in a situation in which you would be exposed to the hazard.

You may file a complaint with OSHA if you believe there may be a violation of an OSHA standard or a serious safety or health hazard at work. You may request that your name not be revealed to your employer. You can file a complaint on this web site, in writing or by telephone to the nearest OSHA area office. You may also call the office and speak with an OSHA compliance officer about a hazard, violation, or the process for filing a complaint.

Since 1970, workplace fatalities have been reduced by half. Occupational injury and illness rates have been declining for the past six years, dropping in 1998 to the lowest level on record. But there is much more to do. Nearly 50 American workers are injured every minute of the 40-hour work week and almost 17 die each day. Federal and state OSHA programs have only about 2,500 inspectors to cover 100 million workers at six million worksites. Workers must play an active role in spotting workplace hazards and asking their employers to correct them.

Can I be punished or discriminated against for exercising my rights?

The OSH Act and other laws protect workers who complain to their employer, union, OSHA or other government agencies about unsafe or unhealthful conditions in the workplace or environmental problems. You cannot be transferred, denied a raise, have your hours reduced, be fired, or punished in any other way because you have exercised any right afforded to you under the OSH Act. Help is available from OSHA for whistleblowers. But complaints about discrimination must be filed as soon as possible-within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints.

Has my employer ever been inspected by OSHA?

You can research your employer's inspection history through OSHA's Establishment Search. Type in the name of your company and choose the dates you want to cover.

What is the most commonly cited hazard in my industry?

You'll need to know your employer's Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code. Once you know your four-digit code, visit OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page, enter your SIC code and view the information for last year.

Does OSHA provide technical information on hazards?

OSHA provides technical information to assist workers, employers, and safety and health professionals in reducing occupational injuries and illnessess. Find information on bloodborne pathogens, machine guarding, ergonomics or fall protection, for example.

What materials does OSHA have of interest to workers?

OSHA publishes a variety of publications on a range of subjects. The agency also offers free software advisors to help employers comply with OSHA standards. Some of the most useful publications for workers are listed below. See OSHA Publications for a complete listing of agency printed materials or to order publications online.

What other rights do workers have?

Other federal agencies protect workers' rights also. Visit the websites at the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to learn more about other protections for workers.