Protective equipment
You have the right to a safe and healthy workplace.
Under federal law, you are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace. Your employer must provide a workplace free of known health and safety hazards. If you have concerns about your workplace health and safety, you have the right to speak up about them without fear of retaliation.
Questions?
We’re here to help.
We are committed to helping you understand your rights as a worker. Many questions about your rights may be answered by using the following elaws (Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses) Advisor:
For additional assistance, please contact:
OSHA at 1-800-321-6742
All discussions between OSHA and employees or their representatives are free and confidential. Safety and health complaints from employees or their representatives are taken seriously by OSHA, and OSHA will keep their information confidential.
You have the right to:
- be provided required personal protective equipment or PPE, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls. See OSHA’s Employer Payment Guidelines for what type of equipment is covered.
- be protected from toxic chemicals.
You also have the right to:
- be trained in a language you understand.
- work on machines that are safe.
- request an inspection from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and speak to the inspector.
- report a work-related injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records.
- see copies of the workplace injury and illness log.
- review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace.
You have a right to a safe and healthy workplace regardless of your immigration status.
Additional resources
elaws Safety and Health Advisors
OSHA Resources on Personal Protective Equipment
OSHA Resources on Fall Protection
OSHA Resources on Hazards and Solutions
OSHA Resources on Worker Rights
Workers’ Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
OSHA Video on Workers’ Safety and Health Rights on the Job