Know your rights
You have a right to a safe workplace
Federal law gives most private-sector workers the right to a workplace free from recognized hazards, the right to raise a safety concern, and protection from retaliation for doing so. This is a pointer to official sources, not legal advice.
OSHA rights, in brief
The Occupational Safety and Health Act and OSHA’s worker page describe rights that generally include:
- A workplace that meets OSHA standards and is free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious harm.
- Information and training about hazards, methods to prevent them, and OSHA standards that apply.
- Access to records of work-related injuries and illnesses and, in many cases, your own exposure and medical records.
- The right to file a confidential complaint with OSHA and to request an inspection.
- Protection from retaliation for reporting an injury, raising a safety concern, or talking to OSHA. Section 11(c) of the OSH Act is the federal whistleblower provision. Deadlines are short — often 30 days — so read the official page promptly if you need it.
Some states run their own OSHA-approved state plans, which must be at least as effective as federal OSHA and may cover state and local government workers as well.
Official pages:
Workers’ compensation is separate
Reporting a recordable injury to your employer, appearing on the OSHA log, and filing a workers’ compensation claim are related but not identical. Compensation is generally a state system. This site does not give claim advice.
If your situation is urgent or complicated, talk with a licensed attorney or your union representative. Nothing here is legal advice.