1.4 Rights and Responsibilities

Worker rights

• To work under conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.
• To receive information and training on hazards, methods to prevent harm and the OSHA standards that apply.
• To raise concerns, to find and correct problems with the employer, and to complain to OSHA about conditions that threaten health or safety, in person, by phone, by post or online.
• To be protected from retaliation. The OSH Act forbids punishing a worker who complains to the employer, files a complaint, starts a proceeding, contests a date for correction, asks OSHA for information or testifies under the Act. The Department of Labor's Whistleblower Protection Program helps workers who suffer retaliation.

Worker responsibilities

• Read the OSHA poster.
• Follow the employer's safety and health rules and wear or use the required equipment.
• Follow safe work practices for the job.
• Report hazardous conditions to a supervisor or safety committee, and to OSHA if the employer does not fix them.
• Cooperate with OSHA inspectors.

Employer responsibilities

• Provide a workplace free from recognised hazards, and comply with OSHA standards.
• Keep workers informed. Each workplace must display the OSHA "Job Safety and Health: It's the Law" poster, summaries of petitions for variances, and copies of citations.
• Keep required records, and provide training in a language and form that workers understand.
• Not retaliate against workers who use their rights.

A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.