OSHA UPDATES What to Know About Worker Rights and Protection
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re you concerned about health and safety on the job? Learn how OSHA protects you, as well as what to do if you think you are not being protected at work. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.
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Q: What happens after I file a complaint?
A: Each complaint is evaluated by OSHA to determine whether it should be handled as an off-site investigation or an on-site inspection. Written complaints that are signed by workers or their representative and submitted to an OSHA area or regional office are more likely to result in on-site OSHA inspections.
Q: What are my employer’s responsibilities?
A: Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace, including: • A workplace free from serious recognized hazards and compliance with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSHA Act • Examining workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards • Making sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and properly maintain this equipment • Using color codes, posters, labels or signs to warn employees of potential hazards • Establishing or updating operating procedures and 58 • Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc.
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communicating them so that employees follow safety and health requirements Providing safety training in a language and vocabulary workers can understand Developing and implementing a written hazard communication program and training employees on the hazards they are exposed to and proper precautions for employees with hazardous chemicals in the workplace. (A copy of safety data sheets must be readily available.) Providing medical examinations and training when required by OSHA standards Posting, in a prominent location within the workplace, the OSHA poster (or the state-plan equivalent) informing employees of their rights and responsibilities. Reporting to the nearest OSHA office all work-related fatalities within 8 hours, and all work-related inpatient hospitalizations, all amputations and all losses of an eye within 24 hours. Keeping records of work-related injuries and illnesses . (Employers with 10 or fewer employees and employers in certain low-hazard industries are exempt from this requirement.) Providing employees, former employees and their representatives access to the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. On Feb. 1, and for three months, covered employers must post the summary of the OSHA log of injuries and illnesses.
