Factsheet of the "Protecting Workers Who Exercise Rights" Project of the National COSH Network
- Right to a Safe and Healthy Workplace
You have a right to work in a workplace that does not make you hurt or sick. OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace that is free of recognized hazards.
- Right to Information
- chemicals used at work
- injuries and illnesses that happened at work to co-workers or past employees
- your medical records
- tets that your employer has done to measure chemical, noise, and radiation levels
You have a right to ask for and get information from your employer about:
- Right to Know about Chemical Hazards
Your employer is required to give you information about chemical hazards in your work area, including:- Material Safety Data Sheets on all chemicals you are exposed to
- proper labels are on all hazardous chemicals
- training on health effects of chemicals you work with, and how to protect yourself.
- Right NOT to be Discriminated Against for Health and Safety Activity
You have a right to demand a safe workplace without fear of punishment. You should not be transfered, denied a pay raise, or have your hours reduced as a result of health and safety action.
- Right to Health and Safety Training
Your employer is required to provide training on safety and health hazards at your workplace. Examples of topics include safe handling of chemicals and lock-out/tag-out procedures for machinery.
- Right to File an OSHA Complaint
You have right to file a complaint with OSHA if you think your workplace is unsafe. You can file a complaint either in writing or by telephone. If you want OSHA to come and make an inspection of your workplace, put your complaint in writing and send it to OSHA. In Wisconsin, call your regional OSHA office:
- Appleton OSHA Office (414)734-4521
- Eau Claire OSHA Office (715)832-9019
- Madison OSHA Office (608)264-5388
- Milwaukee OSHA Office (414)297-3315
- Right to OSHA Inspections
You have a right to an OSHA inspection of your workplace. Request an inspection by the OSHA Office nearest you. You can make the inspection most effective by participating in the inspection process.
- Who Can Help You Exercise Your OSHA Rights
- Call your union, if you have one.
- Call WisCOSH at (414)933-2338.
- Call OSHA! For the nearest office call 1-800-321-OSHA (24 hr referal line)
This material has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, under grant #46A7-HT51. These materials do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade of names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.