OSHA to workers: Speak up! We’re on your side
June 15, 2010 by Jim BurgerPosted in: Compliance, construction safety, enforcement, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, New rules and regulations, OSHA news, Recordkeeping, Safety training
PDF OSHA has an explicit new message for the millions of workers who participate in the agency’s outreach training program: We’re on your side.
A newly added two-hour component focuses on workers’ rights. Among the topics it covers in detail:
- how to file complaints about your employer
- your right to refuse any work you think is too dangerous, and
- assurances that if you do either of the above, you’ll be protected by whistleblower provisions.
The workers’ rights component is now a required part of every 10- and 30-hour class.
“For too long, workers have avoided making claims of unsafe work conditions out of fear of losing their jobs,” OSHA head David Michaels said in a release. “We are confident that this new training will embolden workers to speak up when they find work practices that endanger their lives and the lives of their co-workers.”
Is OSHA opening a can of worms by trying to “embolden” workers, or is this needed to address chronic under-reporting of injuries. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
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Tags: David Michaels, Injuries, OSHA
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June 22nd, 2010 at 8:33 am
Does OSHA monitor this website at all? I hesitate to comment in fear of retaliation.
June 22nd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
This sickens me. I’m an authorized OSHA trainer for both 10 and 30 hour courses in General Industry and Construction. People know that OSHA will answer employee complaints…I’ve been exposed to those threats from employees for over 20 years - and that’s exactly what the majority of employees use it as…a threat.
This is just one more way for the Government to keep their thumb on business which will ultimately drive jobs (or I should say “more jobs”) out of this country and into places like Mexico and Canada.
June 23rd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
OSHA is making it too easy for employees to complain. Any disgruntled employee can register a false claim and the employer is guilty until proven innocent. How about OSHA tell the employee, “If we find this claim is unfounded, you will pay your employer’s legal fees and other costs to defend your bogus claim.” That would keep the miscreants and troublemakers at bay, but it will never happen. Sometimes employee complaints are legitimate and they should be brought to light. Problem is, OSHA thinks ALL employer complaints are legitimate when they aren’t. There needs to be a deterrent to the bogus complaints.
July 14th, 2010 at 11:54 am
You are all right - employers shouldn’t have to be afraid of OSHA. We all just want to do the right thing, but it’s frustrating when you know an employee is trying to file a bogus claim. OSHA should have an anonymous hotline for employers as well as employees.