3 Employee Safety Rights You Didn't Know
The state of Texas enjoys a wide range of employment opportunities in all fields of business, science, and technology. While a varied set of jobs boosts both the economy and the diversity of the workforce, some jobs are certainly more dangerous than others. For example, oil field works may be exposed to oil field accidents, while truckers face the risk of trucking accidents. Both of these jobs are more dangerous than a sedentary office job, such as an accountant.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), you are entitled to a safe workplace. While conditions at the workplace may be unsafe at times, there are things both you and your employer can do to greatly reduce the risk of personal injury. As a responsible employee, you should be informed as to what your safety rights are while working at your job. Here are 4 rights you have that you may not know:
#1: You are entitled to know what hazardous chemicals are used or stored at your workplace.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), an employer must keep a list of hazardous chemicals, updated regularly, made available to all employees. What exactly are "hazardous chemicals", though? The DSHS defines them as "any products or materials that present any physical or health hazards when used, unless they are exempted under the law", and if it is in "excess of 55 gallons or 500 pounds", it must be listed.
#2: You are entitled to safety training when working with hazardous materials.
Handling dangerous equipment, materials, and chemicals is a task that should be performed with the utmost care and caution. Your employer, according to the DSHS, is required by law to properly train you to manage dangerous or risky tasks. Furthermore, he or she must re-instruct you if new materials, or new information on existing materials, accesses the workplace.
#3: You are entitled to file a complaint for hazardous conditions.
Not all employers prioritize their employees' safety while at the workplace. If you find yourself at a job with dangerous conditions, and your employer ignores the problem or refuses to correct it, you have the right to file a complaint to the OSHA and bring in assistance from the government.
However, you should not stop there. If you feel your safety rights as an employee have been violated, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately. Colley & Colley can examine your case with vasts amount of knowledge, experience, and skill to fight for the rights you deserve. To learn more or get started, contact a lawyer in East Texas today.