Employers have a responsibility to make sure all of their employees have the means to knowledge and safety when it comes to workplace hazards. When employers fail to provide their workers with safety training or safety equipment, employees can become seriously injured or suffer fatal consequences. In an effort to hold employers accountable for providing safety gear, safe equipment, and proper training in the workplace, Congress instituted the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. In addition to creating legislation in regards to workplace safety, Congress also created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration which investigates reports of OSHA violations.

Not only do employers have the responsibility of providing safety equipment and training to their employees, they are also not permitted to retaliate any workers who report them to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for violating the OSHA regulations. Employers must inform workers of their rights under OSHA by posting regulations in a visible location and maintain detailed records of any injuries or deaths that take place in the workplace.

It is very important for employees to not only be aware of their rights as workers but also to hold their employers accountable when they are negligent and put workers’ lives at risk. If you believe that your employer is violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act, you may want to report them to OSHA. In addition, if you become injured on the job as a result of your employers’ negligence, you may want to discuss your case with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can provide you with assistance.