Hazard Communication and “Right to Know”
In regards to workers’ safety, the “Right to Know” refers to the established principle that an employee is entitled to know what chemicals and substances he or she may come into contact with in the workplace. It became a national law when OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) enacted the Hazard Communication standard in 1985. Prior to this monumental event, states had their own right-to-know legislation which offered employees various degrees of protection depending on where they happened to work.
Today, many workers take for granted the fact that they will be informed about the potential hazards of their work environment. Despite the fact that the Hazard Communication standards set forth by OSHA require that information be open to employees, some employers negligently leave details unexposed, or even intentionally hide potentially harmful facts and figures. If you think this might be the case in your current workplace be sure to report the issue to OSHA and contact a legal professional, like the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
What Information is Available?
OSHA’s Hazard Communication standards are most commonly thought to pertain to chemicals. While chemical agents are covered, other facts must be available, as well. Employees have a right to know about:
- Material Safety Data Sheets and hazardous chemical labels
- Injury and illness records along with accident investigation reports
- Inspection reports
- Records of chemical, noise, radiation, or other hazardous exposure
- Various other information and records (visit OSHA.gov for more detailed information)
Contact Us
If you have been injured by hazardous substances while at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation damages. To discuss your options with the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., contact us today at 215-329-3511.