The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for regulating occupational safety.
When you start a new job, you likely will encounter a wide variety of workplace jargon specific to your employment. In the realm of occupational safety, there are several common terms that might not be familiar to you. To fully understand your rights as a worker and to remain safe in the workplace, it is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms.
Occupational Safety and Health Act
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) was set up in 1970 to protect workers from being seriously harmed, or even killed, at work. Under this act, all American employers are required to provide their employees with safe working conditions free from known dangers. Under this act the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was born. This organization hears complaints from workers who feel they are in a dangerous working environment.
Whistle-blower
"Whistle-blower" is a term used for anyone who discloses information against her employer. In regards to occupational safety, a whistle-blower is someone who contacts OSHA to report her employer's failure to provide a safe working environment. When a whistle-blower contacts OSHA, the complaint is confidential. The OSH Act protects whistle-blowers, preventing "any person from discharging or in any manner retaliating against any employee because the employee has exercised rights under the Act."
Material Safety Data Sheets
In workplaces that deal with chemical products, data sheets must be clearly posted to ensure safety. These worksheets are called Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS. All employees should be able to access the data sheets for all dangerous chemicals they come in contact with. They should also be provided with the proper training to deal with hazardous chemicals. Failure to comply with these standards gives employees a right to file a complaint with OSHA.
Personal Protective Equipment
OSHA requires that all employees who work in a hazardous environment, or work with hazardous chemicals, be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment. This equipment is often referred to using the acronym PPE. If PPE is needed in the workplace, the employer should arrange to have proper training that details why the equipment is needed and shows employees wear the equipment correctly. There are different standards for PPE, depending on the type of work you do: general industry, shipyard work, marine terminals or longshoring.
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