OSHA: Job Safety and Health – What you need to Know

The U.S. Department of Labor in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has compiled a new federal labor law poster concerning the topic of job safety and health. This poster is available for free download through various government websites and larger versions can be ordered online. The federal OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection Poster should be displayed alongside the OSHA-approved state labor law poster, if applicable.

This labor law poster covers compliance by both employers and employees.

Employers

·         Must furnish employees with a place of employment that is free from hazards

·         Must comply with occupational and health issues under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act

Employees

·         Have the right to notify their employer or confidentially notify OSHA about workplace hazards

·         Have the right to request and attend an OSHA inspection if you believe your workplace has unsafe or unhealthful conditions

·         Have the right to file a complaint with OSHA within (30) days of retaliation or discrimination by your employer after having made safety and/or health complaints, or for exercising your rights covered under the OSH Act.

·         Have the right to see OSHA citations issued to your current employer and to see that the citations are posted near the area of non-compliance

·         Have the right to have workplace violations corrected by your employer by the date issued on the OSHA citation and to certify that these hazards have been eliminated or reduced

·         Have the right to copies of your personal medical records of your exposure to harmful or toxic substances or conditions

·         Have the right to see the Federal Job Safety and Health Protection Poster displayed in your workplace

·         Comply with all OSH Act standards that apply to your job, health and safety.

This poster is a requirement for private employers engaged in commerce (i.e. retailers). Failure of businesses to comply with the Federal OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection Poster can result in heavy fines and/or citations.

OSHA consistently strives to better workplace conditions for employers and employees by preventing injury and illness by setting and enforcing standards that provide a safe and healthful environment. OSHA provides training, education, outreach and assistance. Under Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act), OSHA encouraged states to develop and implement their own job health and safety programs. To date, twenty two states have followed suit and conduct mandatory inspections, health training and education programs.