Workplace Safety
Many employers are working in an unsafe environment; however, it does not have to be this way. The Occupational Safety and Health Act is a federal law with the sole purpose of assuring that all individuals are entitled to “safe and healthful working conditions." The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces the statute.
The Act applies to all private employers that work in any sector of commerce. Since the act was created, the courts have interpreted the phrase in the act, "affecting commerce," to include almost all kinds of employment. The act does not cover employers in the public sector. If you have bought the conditions of your unsafe workplace to your employer’s attention without any actions being taken you may want to contact a
employee lawyer to file a legal claim.
Even though the Act is a Federal Law, various states across the nation also have the rights to regulate workplace health and safety. The way in which states can regulate health and safety is by regulating working conditions that are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act and they can also adopt a state safety and health plan that copies the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The Act requires three employer’s responsibilities; including the workplace must be free from known hazards that can cause death or serious harm to employees, all employers must comply with the safety and health standards that are published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and employers have to keep all records of all injuries, deaths, illness, and exposures to toxic substance of all their employees.
If you are concerned about safety or health issues at your workplace, you should contact a employment lawyer to learn your rights. Your employment lawyer will be able to provide you with the information you need to ensure you are working in a safe environment and what you can do if the company is not complying with safety and health regulations set forth by State or Federal regulations.