Orange County Workplace Safety
Lion tamers and tightrope walkers have rights to a work environment characterized by workplace safety.
Employers must comply with certain safety standards required by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act and state laws. Employers must provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or severe physical harm. When it comes to working in a factory environment or working with heavy equipment, you cannot guarantee what will happen. But it is best to stay safe and know what to do in case an accident was to happen. This is why companies are putting safety courses into place for people whose job it is to use machinery daily.
There are also standards specific to various workplace environments regarding workplace safety.
Having a safe and compliant workplace is always key, especially in a factory environment, which is why many factories choose to install a fume extraction system. Researching fume extraction systems might be the way to go for any manufacturers looking to protect the quality of manufacturing processes in their workplace.
The rules extend to temperature, lighting, noise, first aid, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, office equipment, chairs, toilets, protective equipment, and smoking.
There are requirements on reports, inspections, records, posting and notification of employee rights.
You also have a right to refuse to perform unsafe work. There are severe civil and criminal penalties for employers who violate these laws.
You are protected from being retaliated against for “blowing the whistle” on safety violations. However, make sure your employer is violating safety standards before you complain. You may not be very popular with them if you were wrong.
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Don D. Sessions, a Mission Viejo attorney, author and law school professor, helps employees enforce their rights.
Workplace safety news
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: How rewarding and promoting …
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently expressed concern that some workplace safety policies could discourage employee reporting, constitute unlawful discrimination and also violate recordkeeping …
OSHA cites NJ company for workplace safety violations after worker …
A New Jersey demolition and concrete recycling company is facing citations for safety violations after a worker’s death prompted an investigation by federal workplace safety officials. …
July Workplace Safety News and Notes from ComplianceSigns.com
In addition to providing EMS safety and health resources and references, the page offers a data summary describing nonfatal injuries to EMS workers treated in emergency departments. Visit the EMS workplace safety page.
Safety Videos – 10 Commandments of Workplace Safety
Safety videos – this safety video is called “The 10 Commandments of Workplace Safety” – New and produced in 2009 features many current Australian WorkSafe/WorkCover themes (eg keep talking the safety talk, it doesn’t hurt to speak up, the most import…