OSHA Was Created To Ensure Safe and Healthful Working Conditions

When the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) it also created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

Federal law entitles workers to a safe workplace. Employers must keep their workplaces free of known health and safety hazards. Workers have the right to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. Workers also have the right to:

• Receive workplace safety and health training in a language you understand

• Work on machines that are safe

• Receive required safety equipment, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls

• Be protected from toxic chemicals

• Request an OSHA inspection, and speak to the inspector

• Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records

• Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses

• See results of tests taken to find workplace hazards

Safety and Health Complaint

If a worker believes working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful, the worker may file a confidential complaint with OSHA and ask for an inspection. If possible, the worker should tell the employer about their concerns.

Protection from Retaliation

It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, transfer or otherwise retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA and uses their legal rights. If you believe you have been retaliated against in any way, file a whistleblower complaint within 30 days of the alleged retaliation.

Contact OSHA

To discuss a workplace health or safety issue, contact OSHA toll-free at 1-800-321-6742, or by e-mail, or through your nearest OSHA office. Your information will be kept confidential.

In North Carolina, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide the framework for workplace safety and health regulations. Employers in NC are required to maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm. Workers have the right to receive training in a language they understand, operate safe machinery, use necessary safety equipment, be protected from toxic chemicals, request an OSHA inspection, report injuries or illnesses, access their medical records, and review records of work-related injuries and illnesses. If a worker believes that their working conditions are unsafe or unhealthy, they can file a confidential complaint with OSHA to request an inspection. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against workers for exercising their rights under the OSH Act, such as filing a complaint or reporting an injury. Workers who experience retaliation can file a whistleblower complaint within 30 days of the alleged retaliation. For assistance or to discuss workplace health or safety issues, workers can contact OSHA directly.