OSHA Compensation Rights

OSHA, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, was created in 1970 as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This Act gave all workers a set of rights and responsibilities concerning their health and safety. The rights of employees are enforced through OSHA which also monitors the safety of workplaces.

The majority of the rights granted to workers under the OSH Act of 1970 pertain to preventing future injuries. Under this act, employees are able to request an OSHA inspection of the workplace; report hazardous chemicals and concerns pertaining to them; request information on health and safety hazards in the workplace from the employer; and even be notified of OSHA actions regarding a specific complaint.

Rights that were given to employees were designed to prevent an employer from saying he or she followed all of the rules but in effect didn’t. The rights include provisions to keep the identity of the individual that filed the OSHA complaint anonymous but at the same time permit an employee representative to accompany the OSHA compliance officer.

Prevention of injuries is one of the most important things any business can do. If injuries are prevented, there is no need for anyone to go on the disabled list and receive workers’ compensation payments. Unfortunately, not all injuries can be prevented and so workers’ compensation still has to exist. OSHA provides provisions for workers’ compensation payments as well as eligibility. These standards can be altered by the individual states but are outlined in the OSH Act of 1970.

Contact a Charleston Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you have been injured in the workplace and are having issues receiving workers’ compensation, contact the Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.