Federal and state laws have given employees the
right
to refuse dangerous work and receive
accurate
reports concerning
toxic substances
at their work place. Employees are protected
by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) against
unsafe working conditions. In
some states, the employee has the right to refuse to
work even if the harm is not life threatening. To find
out about their state's laws, employees should contact
their state labor department.
Unsafe working conditions resulting in imminent
danger include:
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Performing work
at the work place that poses a real danger of
death or serious physical injury. |
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Employer’s refusal to
correct the problem and make the working conditions
safe. |
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There isn't enough time to eliminate
the existing danger through other means, such
as requesting an OSHA inspection. |
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) assures the safety and health of America's
workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing
training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships;
and encouraging continual improvement in workplace
safety and health.
Who is covered: Nearly
every working man and woman in the nation comes under
OSHA jurisdiction, with some exceptions ( e.g., miners,
transportation workers, many public employees, and
the self-employed). Other users and recipients of
OSHA services include: occupational safety and health
professionals, the academic community, lawyers, journalists,
and personnel of other government entities.
