The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency entrusted with implementing programs targeted at the health and safety of workers. By implementing safety programs, OSHA aims to reduce workplace hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses. There are many workers in Ohio and other parts of the United States who are aware of OSHA but, unfortunately, are not fully aware of the rights they have under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
First and foremost, every construction worker has the right to know the safety standards their employer is responsible for maintaining at the workplace. The worker also has the right to access records regarding exposure to different hazardous substances. In cases where a worker feels that the employer is violating OSHA mandates, they can request OSHA to carry out an inspection, along with an employee representative authorized by the company.
In the event of an inspection, a worker has the right to ask OSHA for a copy of the tests that were conducted to identify hazards. Another important right that a construction worker has is anonymity when filing a complaint with OSHA about workplace safety violations. The worker can also expect to be protected from any sort or retaliatory action by their employer for reporting a violation to OSHA. Finally, the worker has the right to review the records of all work-related injuries and illnesses.
Workplace accidents are a much talked-about subject and since many construction jobs are accompanied by a significant amount of risk, it is only fair that the Act provides these rights to workers. However, it remains a worker’s responsibility to exercise their rights at the workplace to ensure that Franklin County, Ohio, and the rest of America are a safer place for construction workers.