OSHA (29 U.S.C. s. 651) (29 CFR Chapter XVII) (OSHA Online Whistleblower Complaint Form) (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

• Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") employers must keep their place of employment free from recognized hazards. (29 U.S.C. s. 654(a)(1))


• Employers must observe any specific safety and health standards which are applicable to them. (29 U.S.C. s. 654(a)(2))


• Employers must post OSHA notices on "Job Safety and Health Protection." (OSHA Poster)


• Employers must have one or more employees with first aid training in each work area. (29 CFR s. 1910.151(b))


• Employers must furnish employees with required protective gear and make sure it is used properly. (29 CFR s. 1910.132)


• Employers must make certain reports on every injury that requires medical treatment. (29 CFR s. 1904)


• Employers must obtain Safety Data Sheets ("SDSs") from chemical manufacturers for all hazardous chemicals present in the workplace and make them available to employees. (29 CFR s. 1910.1200(g))


• Employees cannot be discriminated against for filing an OSHA complaint, instituting an OSHA proceeding, testifying at an OSHA proceeding, or exercising on their own behalf or on behalf of others any right afforded by OSHA. Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of this subsection may, within thirty days after such violation occurs, file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discrimination. (29 U.S.C. s. 660(c)) (29 CFR s. 1977.3)


• Even applicants for employment can be considered employees for purposes of OSHA protections. (29 CFR s. 1977.5(b))


• If an employee, with no reasonable alternative, refuses to perform his assigned task because in good faith he believes it would subject himself to serious injury or death, and there is insufficient time to eliminate the danger through regular statutory enforcement channels, and where possible the employee has sought from his employer but has been unable to obtain a correction of the dangerous condition, then the employee is protected against subsequent discrimination by the employer for such refusal. (29 CFR s. 1977.12)