The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA, is the federal agency that sets and enforces workplace safety standards. OSHA works to ensure that employees have a safe and healthy place to work, regardless of their job or industry. Many employees in Kentucky and Ohio rely on OSHA protections when they face unsafe conditions, hazards, or situations that put their health at risk. Knowing your OSHA rights can help you understand when an employer has failed to keep the workplace safe and what steps you can take.
Employees have the legal right to a workplace that is free from serious hazards. This includes protection from unsafe equipment, toxic substances, dangerous work practices, and physical risks. Employers must follow OSHA safety rules, provide proper training, and make sure employees have the tools and information needed to work safely.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (“OSHA”) prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising rights under OSHA such as:
- Filing a health complaint,
- Raising a health concern,
- Reporting a workplace injury, or
- participating in an OSHA inspection
Employees who suffer Retaliation can file complaints with OSHA. However, employees must report the employer’s conduct within weeks of the wrong. Employees might have a wrongful termination claim if they are terminated for filing a complaint with OSHA or raising safety concerns.
At Thompson Legal, our Kentucky and Ohio employment law attorneys have experience achieving justice for those employees who have been wronged. We have experience taking on large and small companies to achieve justice for employees who were wronged. Call or text us today at 502-366-2121 for a consultation if you have any Kentucky or Ohio employee issues.