Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a new “Workers’ Rights” booklet. This booklet is designed to replace “Employee Workplace Rights.” Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, workers have a right to a safe workplace and be protected from work-related injuries in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Employers are required to minimize all work-related hazards.
Our Boston workers’ compensation attorneys understand that employers have specific guidelines they must follow to help prevent work-related injuries and fatalities. When these guidelines are not met, OSHA will step in to take the appropriate actions to fix the situation and to rebuild employer safety standards. If you witness unsafe working conditions, you’re urged to contact a supervisor or OSHA. If you’ve been injured on the job, you’re urged to contact an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights as a worker in the United States.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is in place “to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.”
Workers’ Rights:
-Workers can file a complaint: Employees have the ability to file a complaint with OSHA. These complaints will result in a workplace inspection.
-Workers are entitled to information and training resources regarding workplace hazards, methods to prevent hazards, and information to OSHA safety standards that apply to their field of work. Worker training is required to be done in the language and vocabulary that an employee can understand.
-Workers have the right to review records of injuries and illnesses that have occurred at their place of work.
-Workers have the right to obtain copies of test results and monitoring measures to ensure that hazards are contained in the workplace.
-Workers have the right to get a copy of workplace medical records.
-Workers have a right to participate in an inspection conducted by OSHA and to speak in private with the inspector.
-Workers have the right to file a complaint with OSHA if they feel they’ve been retaliated or discriminated against by an employer after they’ve requested an inspection or because they’ve exercised any of their other rights.
Those not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act:
-Workplace hazards that are regulated by another federal agency. This includes Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration, etc.
-Those who are immediate family members of farm employers.
-Those who are self-employed.
Important examples of OSHA safety standards:
-Employees must be provided with fall protection, including lifelines and safety harnesses.
-Preventing cave-ins during excavation and trenching projects.
-Ensuring the safety of employees who work in confined areas such as grain bins and manholes.
-Limiting the exposure to high noise levels that have the ability to damage hearing.
-Keeping guards on dangerous machines.
-Control dangerous chemicals, including lead, asbestos, etc.
-Provide health care to employees.
-Properly train workers.
Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers is a group of experienced and knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyers dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured employees in Massachusetts. Call (617) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
More Blog Entries:
Majority of 2010 Private Sector Workers’ Compensation Claims are Injury-Related in Massachusetts, Nationwide, Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog, November 7, 2011
Boston Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Concerned About Healthcare Industry Illnesses and Injuries Reported in 2010, Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog, November 3, 2011