OSHA Federal Standards. The standards are divided into four broad categories: general industry (29 CFR 1910); construction (29 CFR 1926); maritime (shipyards, naval terminals, long shoring 29 CFR 1915-19); and agriculture (29 CFR 1928). While some standards are specific to a single category, others apply to all industries. Standards with similar requirements for all industries include access to medical and exposure records, personal protective equipment, and hazard communication. Private sector employees exercising their rights under OSHA may be protected from employer retaliation, as described in Section 11(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Employees must notify OSHA within 30 days of becoming aware of the alleged discriminatory practice. OSHA will then investigate and, if it agrees that discrimination has occurred, OSHA will ask the employer to reimburse the affected employee for any loss of benefits. If necessary, OSHA can take legal action against the employer. In such cases, the employee does not pay legal fees. OSHA-approved government plans include parallel provisions on workers` rights, including protection from employer retaliation. OSHA`s whistleblower protection program enforces the anti-retaliation provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other laws.
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP): This program recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary health and safety management system. Employers who are included in SHARP are recognized as role models in occupational safety and health. After obtaining SHARP recognition, the shipyard is exempted from scheduled inspections during the validity period of the SHARP certification. To participate in SHARP, an employer must contact their state`s counseling program and request a free counseling visit, which includes full hazard identification. Because states with OSHA-approved occupational health and safety programs adopt and enforce their own standards under state law, copies of those standards can be obtained from individual states. Many are available on government websites linked to OSHA`s Occupational Safety and Health Plans website. If you think the working conditions are unsafe or unhealthy, you can always file a complaint with OSHA about a dangerous work condition. If possible, inform your employer of the conditions. If the condition clearly poses a risk of death or serious bodily harm, OSHA does not have sufficient time to inspect, and an employee has brought the condition to the attention of the employer, the employee may have the legal right to refuse to work in a situation where he or she would be exposed to danger. If you have questions about what to do, contact your local OSHA office. We will treat your data confidentially.
We`re here to help. To discuss a workplace health and safety issue, contact OSHA toll-free at 1-800-321-6742 (OSHA) or by email or contact your nearest OSHA office. Your data will be treated confidentially. Private Sector Workers – OSHA covers most private sector employers and employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. jurisdictions, either directly through federal OSHA or through an OSHA-approved state plan. Government health and safety programs must be at least as effective as OSHA`s federal program. Contact information for the nearest OSHA federal or state program office can be found on the regional and regional office map. Education: OSHA has more than 70 full-service regional offices that provide a variety of information services, including publications, technical advice, audio-visual tools on workplace hazards, and speakers. Most of these field offices have an OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS). CASs provide general information about OSHA standards and compliance support resources, and are available for seminars, workshops, and conferences. The CAS promotes OSHA`s collaborative programs and encourages employers to use OSHA training resources and tools available on the OSHA website. Each complaint is evaluated by OSHA to determine whether it should be treated as an off-site investigation or an on-site inspection.