Employee Health and Safety Rights

	Employees can refuse to perform in a dangerous environment.
	Employees are allowed to strike to protest unsafe conditions.
	Employees may initiate an OSHA inspection for an alleged dangerous working condition by filing a safety complaint.
	Employees cannot be retaliated against for filing a safety complaint.
	All employers should furnish a workplace for the employee that is free from recognized hazards.
	Employees can request paid time off to seek medical treatment during working hours.
	Employee can participate in OSHA inspections and pre-hearing conferences, and can review inspection hearings.
	Employees can assist the OSHA compliance officer in determining whether violations have occurred.
	Employees can petition that their employers provide adequate emergency exits, environmental control devices, and the ready availability of medical personnel.
	Employees can request eating facilities in areas that have not been exposed to toxic substances.
	Employees must be provided personal protective equipment for their eyes, ears, head, feet, and respiratory system.

Enforcing authority: OSHA (a division of the U.S Department of Labor) has the exclusive authority for enforcing the OSHA Act. Individual workers cannot file OSHA lawsuits.

Penalty: If violations are found, penalties may be imposed, with fines of up to $100,000 for each violation and/or imprisonment for up to three years for employers and key personnel who willfully or repeatedly violate OSHA laws or fail to correct a hazard within the specified time limit.