It has always been my belief that employees need all the information that they can get to help them to stay safe in the workplace. And some of the most basic information that they need to know is here, on the Internet, all for free. The working public just needs to know what they are looking for. That is what I hope to do here. Help employees understand what potential hazards they face in the workplace, and explain how they can avoid them.

I hope to do this through a series of lessons. Each one designed to give you more information. Each lesson will be presented here on this page for a period of time, and then archived as downloadable files. The archives will be accessible for future reference. 

There will be links associated with each lesson to other areas of the Internet that will provide more in-depth information, and perhaps answer any questions. 

Lesson One: Hazard Awareness & OS&H Responsibilities & Rights

What are Workplace Hazards?

Hazards are a major cause of accidents in the workplace. A workplace hazard is recognized as any existing or potential condition in the workplace which, by itself or in conjunction with other variables, can result in injuries, illnesses, deaths, and property damage.

This definition carries with it two major points:

• A condition does not have to exist at the moment to be classified as a hazard. When the total hazard situation is being evaluated, potentially hazardous conditions must be considered.

• Hazards may result not only from independent failure of workplace components, but also from one workplace component acting upon or influencing another. For instance, if gasoline or another highly flammable substance comes in contact with sulfuric acid, the reaction created by the two substances produces both toxic vapors and sufficient heat for combustion.

Hazards are generally grouped into two broad categories; those dealing with safety and injuries and those dealing with health and illnesses. Hazards that involve property damage must also be considered.

Why is this information important to me, isn't this a job for the Boss?

No! Safety is everyone's responsibility!  Although your employer is ultimately responsible for the safety of their place of business, it takes everyone working together to make the work environment safe. 

By becoming aware of the potentials for injury or illnesses you can help your employer identify unsafe conditions and keep yourself and your coworkers safe from harm. This is so important, that I cannot stress it enough. An informed worker is the best source of what is really going on in the workplace that an employer, or a safety professional like me, can have! We cannot be everywhere even though we try. Employees who regularly report unsafe conditions is a vital part of every safety program. You are our eyes and ears. But you must know what you are looking for.

OK, I'll buy all of that...but what are the responsibilities of my employer?

In the United States employers must meet so many regulations and laws pertaining to Occupational Safety and Health that is hard to list them all, but the "Granddaddy" of them all would have to be the OSHA "General Duty Clause."

On April 28, 1971 the OSHAct went into effect. The U. S. Congress declared that the purpose of the Act was to "assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions to preserve our human resources."

The "General Duty Clause" is the most overlooked aspect of U.S. OSHAct compliance, and yet it is the backbone of the OSHA  standards. The General Duty Clause states that each employer covered under the act has:

1. The general duty to furnish each employee with employment and places of employment free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

2. The specific duty of complying with safety and health standards promulgated under the act.

Take note of item one, where it states "causing or likely to cause." With this phrase, there is nothing that can slip through the cracks pertaining to OSHA compliance by the employer. Even if there isn't a written standard on a specific safety hazard, an OSHA inspector, by way of the General Duty Clause, may cite a company for non-compliance due to an observation/opinion concerning an event that is not covered under any other written standard.

Do I, as an employee, have a responsibilities under OSHA?

Yes, you do! Under OSHA employees are expected to comply with Occupational Safety and Health standards. Although the employer is held responsible, and not the employee, you are directed by OSHA to be in compliance with your employer's safety policies and procedures. You also have a responsibility to report responsibly. This means not using the law to harass or embarrass your employer. The law is designed to protect you, not be your personal means of revenge against an employer whom you think is treating you unfairly. 

What are my rights under OSHA?

Under the OSHAct you have the right to a safe and healthful workplace, the right to ask questions and review some records, the right to report safety violations, and the right to no retaliation for making such reports. 

This ends Lesson One. I hope you find it informative and useful. If you have any questions or comments, please email me. I will do my best to respond to all appropriate email as quickly as possible.