Safety on the job
by: Wyoming Legal Services - Lander Office
A number of laws protect your right to safety at work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) makes sure that safety laws are followed.
Here are your rights:
- You have the right to safety training. Your employer must train you about any job hazards. Hazards include chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and construction dangers.
- You have the right to know safety information. Your employer should have information about:
- OSHA,
- Worker injuries,
- Dangers on the job,
- Your rights.
- You have the right to get problems fixed. If you think something is dangerous, you can ask to get it fixed. Make sure you ask in writing. It's against the law for your employer to punish you for asking. Tell OSHA within 30 days if you are punished for complaining. Keep copies of any requests you make.
- You have the right to complain to OSHA about any safety problems. You can make a complaint without telling OSHA your name.
- You have the right to know about OSHA inspections. You are allowed to talk to OSHA in private.
How to complain about work dangers
To be protected by the law, you must complain the right way.
- If you are in immediate danger, you can refuse to work. To be able to refuse, three things must be true:
- You believe that doing your job will cause serious injury;
- Your employer will not fix the problem;
- You don't have enough time to call OSHA.
- If you are NOT in danger, you must ask your employer to fix the problem first. Make your request in writing and keep a copy. If your employer does nothing or punishes you for complaining, contact OSHA. You can call OSHA first if you are afraid of being punished.
How to contact OSHA to get more information or make a complaint
Phone: 1-800-321-OSHA or (303) 844-1600
TTY: 1-877-889-5627
Online: http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/index.html
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