Maryland workers and people across the country have certain rights when it comes to their jobs. You and all other workers have the right to work in a safe and protected environment where the risk of getting injured in a workplace accident is minimized. Employers are required to make the workplace safe for their employees and to take all of the necessary precautions to prevent unnecessary accidents from occurring.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers must follow standards in order to create a safe work environment for all employees. These include the following:
- Provide proper safety training on how all employees can use the tools of their position safely.
- Develop procedures that to ensure workers follow safety requirements and are updated on a regular basis.
- Implement posters and labels to bring attention to possible hazards.
- Keep records and reports in an easy-to-spot area where all workers have access to hazard information.
Furthermore, all employers must report incidents where workers have a body part amputated or lose an eye to OSHA within 24 hours. Any worker fatalities must be reported within eight hours.
When developing a safety program, it is crucial that employers use a language that you clearly understand. As a worker, make sure you always ask questions regarding your safety at the workplace. It is essential that you are given the tools necessary to perform your job in a safe and effective way.
This information is intended to educate and it should not be taken as legal advice.