Workers’ rights are essential for establishing a fair and just workplace where employees can work safely. Employers are responsible for upholding these rights and ensuring their workers are treated fairly.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes and enforces workplace safety and health standards in the United States. Under these standards, workers have the right to a safe and healthy workplace free from known hazards that can cause serious physical harm or death. Employers must ensure a safe and healthy work environment by conducting regular safety inspections, providing appropriate safety and health training in a language employees understand, addressing any identified safety concerns or hazards, providing machines that are safe to work on, protecting workers from toxic chemicals, and providing safety and personal protective equipment.

Employees have the right to review records of work-related injuries and illnesses, report injuries or illnesses, and get copies of their medical records.

Workers’ rights also include fair treatment and protection from discrimination. It’s illegal to discriminate based on race, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint and seek compensation. They also have the right to request reasonable accommodation for disabilities and take a leave of absence for medical or family reasons.

Workers can report safety concerns or hazards without fear of retaliation. If workers believe their employer is violating OSHA standards or engaging in unsafe practices, they can file a confidential complaint with OSHA and ask for an inspection. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers for reporting safety concerns or exercising their rights under OSHA. It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, transfer, or otherwise retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA.

Workers should familiarize themselves with their rights under OSHA and speak up if they believe their safety is compromised. If an employee feels they have been retaliated against, they can file a whistle-blower complaint within 30 days of the alleged retaliation.

Workers can help create safe and healthy workplaces for themselves and their co-workers by working with their employers and OSHA.

As always, stay safe out there!