Other standards require periodic medical examinations of employees, with records to be kept by the employer. When an employer is required to maintain exposure and medical records, 1910.1020 provides employees and their representatives with the right to access and copy those records. Inspections - One of the most important rights provided to the employee is the right to request and be involved in inspections. If an employee believes that an OSHA violation exists in the workplace, a request may be submitted to an OSHA compliance officer or Area Director. Once it has been determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation or imminent danger exists, an inspection will be conducted.
Employees also have the right to point out violations during an inspection.
A representative of the employees must be given the opportunity to accompany the OSHA compliance officer during the inspection. The employee also has the right to access and copy inspection results. The employee who exercises his right to request inspections or records, or to point out violations, has the right to be protected from retaliatory discrimination or termination. An employee who believes that he has received retaliatory treatment as a result of exercising the rights accorded in the Act has the right to file a complaint alleging discrimination within 30 days of the violation. Refusal to Work - 1977.12 gives employees the right to refuse in good faith to expose himself to a hazardous workplace condition.