Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work place and adopting and implementing a safety program to protect workers from job hazards. But employers are not the only ones responsible for safety on the job – employees have responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace as well. Do you know your safety responsibilities?
Full Answer
Employers are responsible for safety in the workplace according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA holds employers responsible for the safety and health conditions in the workplace and does not cite workers for violations. However, Section 5(b) of the OSHA Act states that each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all applicable rules, regulations and orders.
OSHA's Mission With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
- Employees have a duty to comply with occupational safety standards, rules, and regulations. -Avoid relation against workers who exercise the rights under the OSHA act.
Employee Responsibilities Under the OSH Act First off, employees must follow all OSHA safety and health standards AND all rules issued by their employers that are intended to comply with OSHA's health and safety standards and the OSH Act.
Safety in the workplace is the sole responsibility of the employer.
EmployersEmployers hold most of the responsibility for workplace health and safety, although no one person is solely accountable. In fact, The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 defines the general duties of everyone from employers and employees to business owners, managers and more (eg.
to take reasonable care not to put other people - fellow employees and members of the public - at risk by what you do or don't do in the course of your work. to co-operate with your employer, making sure you get proper training and you understand and follow the company's health and safety policies.
Under health and safety law, the primary responsibility for this is down to employers. Worker s have a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions at work. Workers must co-operate with employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements .
OSHA requires employers to: Maintain conditions and adopt practices reasonably necessary to protect workers on the job. The first and best strategy is to control the hazard at its source.
Workers may bring up safety and health concerns in the workplace to their employers without fear of discharge or discrimination, as long as the complaint is made in good faith. OSHA regulations [29CFR 1977.9(c)] protect workers who complain to their employer about unsafe or unhealthful conditions in the workplace.
The rights and responsibilities of the employee may be spelled out in a job description, in an employment contract, in HR policies, or in a handbook, but often they are not.
Federal law entitles you to a safe workplace. Your employer must keep your workplace free of known health and safety hazards. You have the right to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. You also have the right to: 1 Receive workplace safety and health training in a language you understand 2 Work on machines that are safe 3 Receive required safety equipment, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls 4 Be protected from toxic chemicals 5 Request an OSHA inspection, and speak to the inspector 6 Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records 7 Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses 8 See results of tests taken to find workplace hazards
Contact OSHA. To discuss a health and safety issue at work, contact OSHA toll-free at 1-800-321-6742 (OSHA) or by email, or contact your nearest OSHA office. Your information will be kept confidential.
If you believe working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful, you may file a confidential complaint with OSHA and ask for an inspection. If possible, tell your employer about your concerns. How to File a Safety and Health Complaint. Protection from Retaliation. It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, transfer or otherwise retaliate ...
Your employer must keep your workplace free of known health and safety hazards. You have the right to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. You also have the right to: