EmployeeWorkplace Rights
OSHA 3021-01R 2005
Employers are responsible for providing a
safe and healthful workplace for their employ-
ees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and
health of America’s working men and women
by setting and enforcing standards; providing
training, outreach and education; establishing
partnerships; and encouraging continual
improvement in workplace safety and health.
This handbook provides a general overview of
a particular topic related to OSHA standards.
It does not alter or determine compliance re-
sponsibilities in OSHA standards or the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Because interpretations and enforcement pol-
icy may change over time, you should consult
current OSHA administrative interpretations
and decisions by the Occupational Safety and
Health ReviewCommission and the Courts for
additional guidance on OSHA compliance
requirements.
This publication is in the public domain and
may be reproduced, fully or partially, without
permission. Source credit is requested but not
required.
This information is available to sensory im-
paired individuals upon request. Voice phone:
(202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number:
(877) 889-5627.
U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA 3021-01R
2005
EmployeeWorkplace Rights
Contents
Introduction…3
Worker Rights Under the OSHAct…3
Worker Rights to Information…5
Worker Rights toAccess
Records and Test Results…6
Worker Rights to Promote
Workplace Safety…7
Worker Rights During the
Inspection Process…9
Worker Rights to Protection
from Retaliation…10
Worker Rights in State-Plan States…14
Worker Responsibilities…15
OSHAAssistance…15
OSHA Regional Offices…22
2
Introduction
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act
of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) within the Department of
Labor and encouraged employers and employees
to reduce workplace hazards and to implement
safety and health programs. The Act gave
employees many new rights and responsibilities.
This booklet discu