You may feel that your employer holds the reins when it comes to your job’s rules and regulations, but did you know that you have legal rights to a safe work environment? According to USA.gov, certain laws protect you at the workplace regarding safety, no matter the industry or title you hold.
Understanding your safety rights at the workplace may help you feel more confident about raising questions and issues you may have, especially when it comes to notifying your employer.
The right to working safety equipment
No employer can deny you the right to proper, working safety equipment at your workplace. The items provided must meet current standards, and you have the right to refuse to accept work without them. For example, if you require a safety harness at a construction site and the one given to you is not inspected or cannot meet the safety requirements listed, then you can request an updated model before resuming your work.
The right to report an injury
If you or anyone you work with becomes injured on the job, you have the right to report the incident. This includes any injury you witnessed. This law protects you and your workers’ compensation rights as well; however, it is important to remember that reporting an injury when it occurs is one of the most effective ways to protect this right.
Reporting unsafe conditions
Sometimes, work accidents occur because of unsafe conditions, and you have the right to report these without fear of backlash or termination. If your job has a safety officer, speak to him or her first, as this may bring about a quicker resolution.
Certain industries are more dangerous than others, making these laws vital to your safety. An employer cannot deny you these rights on the basis of nationality, gender, sexuality or the language you speak.
