The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that sets standards for workplace safety and health and works to enforce these standards.
How does OSHA protect employees in the workplace?
Establishing Safety Standards
OSHA has established a wide range of safety standards that apply to all industries. From toxicity levels to fall protection, OSHA sets the standards to protect workers’ safety and health. Employers must comply with these standards, and employees should be aware of these standards to ensure their safety.
Inspections
OSHA carries out inspections to ensure that employers comply with the agency’s standards and that there are no violations. Complaints or reports of unsafe working conditions, accidents, or fatalities can also trigger inspections.
During an inspection, OSHA inspectors examine the facility, talk to employees, and review records to determine if the employer complies with OSHA regulations.
Training
OSHA requires employers to provide proper training to their employees to maintain a safe work environment. Employers must provide training in areas such as hazard communication, forklift operation, and fire safety, among others.
Each employee must receive training in the areas that relate to their job duties, and employers need to maintain records to prove that each employee has completed the required training.
Whistleblower Protections
Employees have the right to report workplace hazards, and OSHA has established whistleblower protection programs for employees who exercise their rights.
Discrimination against employees who report unsafe working conditions is prohibited under OSHA regulations. Employers who retaliate against employees for reporting hazards, filing complaints, or exercising their legal rights can be subject to fines or other penalties.
Enforcement
OSHA has the power to enforce its safety standards. Employers who fail to comply with OSHA regulations can face penalties, including fines and even criminal charges depending on the severity of the violation. If an employer fails to comply with OSHA may also order regulations to correct the violation. Employers must make necessary changes to ensure that the workplace is safe.
OSHA’s Role in the Workplace
OSHA plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ health and safety in the workplace. The agency:
- Establishes safety standards
- Conducts inspections
- Requires training
- Provides whistleblower protection
- Enforces its regulations to ensure that employers are providing a safe workplace
Employees should be aware of OSHA regulations and their rights in the workplace to keep themselves safe and informed. By working together, employers, employees, and OSHA can keep workplaces safe and prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.
For more information about workers’ compensation or to speak to someone about your workplace injury, contact Livingston DiMarzio Brown, LLP at (973) 943-4961.
