OSH Act of 1970

The Occupational Safety & Health act was created as an act that assures healthy and safe working conditions for men and woman with the enforcement of standards that have been developed under the Act. Public Law 91-596 further indicates that it will assist and encourage states to provide research, information, training and education regarding occupational safety and health.

State OSHA Programs

Currently, 23 states have OSHA programs that cover state and local government employees as well as private sector workers. Because OSHA at the federal level encourages the states to have their own OSHA programs, there are differences in state OSHA programs with respect to the state that has established them. Some states like New York offer govern employees in state and local government only.

OSHA Standards

One might consider the OSHA standards to be a laundry list long and certainly too many standards to list here. Federal OSHA standards are set in place for use by those states that do not have their own standards and for those states that have standards but want to adopt some of the federal ones that exist. In addition, there are OSHA standards at the state level that vary from state to state.

How OSHA Protects Workers

OSHA offers certain rights to works, namely the right to a safe and healthy workplace. No matter what type of organization or company it may be, employers are responsible for keeping OSHA standards in effect and up to date so that workers are not injured by occupational hazards such as chemicals or equipment.

When such a danger is present, if the employer does not take steps to protect the employee, that employee has the right to refuse work and not be penalized such as reprimanded or have wages withheld.

Filing a Complaint

Sometimes referred to as whistleblowers, it is the right of every employee to file a complaint with the federal facet of OSHA when a company is non-complaint on keeping employees safe from certain occupational hazards and when the work atmosphere poses health risks.

OSHA makes provisions for complaints to be filed for those who believe they have been discriminated against because of safety and health issues. Complaints can be filed online and are often resolved with the employer over the telephone.

Whistleblower complaints are those which tend to cause OSHA to come out to do an inspection. These complaints cannot be filed anonymously but they do not have to be filed from the employer’s facilities.

OSHA has many different resources that provide information about their standards and more. Remember, many states have adopted and amended their own OSHA policies which govern in the area where they have been established.

OSHA ensures that no employee has to work in a dangerous workplace that poses occupational hazard and health dangers. Contact your local or the federal OSHA if you have questions.

Have you or someone you know been injured at work? If so, contact one of our experienced workers compensation attorneys in your area today.