The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was formed in 1979 in order to provide employees with a safe working environment. It requires employers to enforce certain standards of health and safety in the workplace.
Under OSHA, workers have the rights to:
- Provide workers with information on OSHA protection through workplace posters and other notifications
- Receive information on identifying hazardous substances in the workplace and training on how to treat injuries from these substances
- Review records of work-related injuries & illnesses
OSHA also requires that employers not take action against employees who file complaints alleging OSHA violations. This is known as unlawful retaliation, and is illegal under federal and state law.
Who Is Covered By OSHA?
OSHA laws apply to ALL private sector employers in EVERY state. All employers, no matter how small, are still to follow their standards for a safe workplace. There are certain exceptions for government workers and independent contractors, however many employees are misclassified as independent contractors, so it is important to find out if you are misclassified so that you can have proper safety protections at work.
If your employer has provided you with unsafe working conditions, contact the attorneys at Baker Law Group, LLP today at 858-452-0093 to review your case for free and determine if you have a possible claim.