The ABCs of OSHA: An Overview of Workplace Safety Regulations

You expect to be safe at work, but workplace accidents can happen. Data shows that in 2019 there were 2,814,000 cases of workplace injuries. About 295,180 of these cases involved sprains, and about  136,190 resulted in a back injury.

Employees need to be safe in the workplace, but safety isn’t always a priority for many employers. There have to be safety regulations in the workplace to protect employees. Read this guide to learn about OSHA safety regulations.

Do OSHA Safety Regulations Cover Your Workplace

OSHA is a governmental agency that sets guidelines and standards for the workplace. Employers must adhere to the guidelines and standards. These are established to protect the safety and health of employees.

These serve as mandatory regulations. OSHA can enforce them. Failure to follow them can increase the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses.

This agency’s regulations cover all industries. The list of industries that must follow the regulations includes hospitals, warehouses, and labs, to name a few.

Employers’ Rights and Responsibilities

As part of the employer’s duty to adhere to OSHA regulations, the employer must create a safe working environment. The workplace must be free of hazards that can cause a workplace injury. If an employer identifies a safety issue, the employer must fix it.

If there is a hazardous situation involving the presents of chemical fumes that can cause breathing issues, the employer will need to fix it. The employer will need to improve ventilation. The employer can also install equipment that keeps the fumes away from employees.

Employers must display the OSHA poster on the premises. It must be visible to all workers. This poster informs the workers of their rights.

Employers have to train workers about safety protocols. They need to provide workers with PPE. Employees don’t have to pay for PPE.

OSHA requires employers to keep a record of all workplace injuries and illnesses. Employers must notify OSHA of serious injuries that occur in the workplace.

Employee’s Rights and Responsibilities

Employees also have rights and responsibilities. The rights that OSHA gives employees help them promote a culture of workplace safety.

Employees do have a right to request copies of workplace injury cases. They can also request copies of workplace health records.

An employee can file a complaint with OSHA if regulations aren’t being followed. OSHA can inspect the workplace to determine if there’s an issue.

An employer can’t retaliate against the employee who makes a safety complaint. This type of action is unlawful.

Suppose a worker suffers an injury while on the clock, the worker can hire a lawyer to seek compensation. Click the link to learn what you need to know about filing a compensation claim.

Following Safety Regulations in the Workplace

OSHA established safety regulations for the workplace. Employers must follow the regulations. Employees do have rights that protect them from harm.

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