Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized serious hazards in the workplace. It’s important for workers to know their rights under this law. Workers have the right to do the following:
Receive workplace safety and health training in a language you understand
Work on machines that are safe
Receive required safety equipment, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls
Be protected from toxic chemicals
Request an OSHA inspection, and speak to the inspector
Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records
Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
See results of tests taken to find workplace hazards
Out of the major workplace hazards influenced by climate change according to the CDC, the only federal law pertains to air quality. However, issues like some biological hazards, heat, and indoor climate are subject to the General Duty Clause, section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act explains that “employers have the responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards.”