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.