OSHA

Training Institute

Introduction to OSHA
Lesson

IThiscopydoesnotcontaintheAppendices.
NSTRUCTOR GUIDE

OSHA
DirectorateofTrainingandEducation
September2014

Introduction to OSHA Lesson

Table of Contents

TRAINER PREPARATION GUIDANCE ........................................................................................ i

Lesson Overview ........................................................................................................................ 1
Topic 1: Why is OSHA important to you? ................................................................................. 3
A. History of OSHA ............................................................................................................. 3
B. OSHAs mission .............................................................................................................. 5
C. Importance of this training............................................................................................... 6
Topic 2. What rights do you have under OSHA? ..................................................................... 7
A. Right to a safe & healthful workplace.............................................................................. 8
B. Right to know about hazardous chemicals ..................................................................... 9
C. Right to information about injuries and illnesses in your workplace................................ 9
D. Right to complain or request hazard correction from your employer ............................ 10
E. Right to training ............................................................................................................. 10
F. Right to hazardous exposure records and medical records.......................................... 11
G. Right to file a complaint with OSHA .............................................................................. 11
H. Right to participate in an OSHA inspection ................................................................... 12
I. Right to be free from retaliation for exercising safety and health rights ........................ 12
Topic 3. What responsibilities does your employer have under OSHA? ............................ 13
A. Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards & comply with OSHA standards... 13
B. Provide training required by OSHA standards .............................................................. 14
C. Keep records of injuries and illnesses .......................................................................... 17
D. Provide medical exams and access to their exposure and medical records ................ 18
E. Not discriminate against workers who exercise their rights [Section 11(c)] .................. 18
F. Post OSHA citations and hazard correction notices ..................................................... 19
G. Provide and pay for most PPE ...................................................................................... 19
Topic 4. What are OSHA standards? ...................................................................................... 21
A. Types of Standards: ...................................................................................................... 21
B. Most Frequently Cited Standards ................................................................................. 22
Topic 5. How are OSHA inspections conducted? .................................................................. 23
A. OSHA Inspections ........................................................................................................ 23
B. Different Types of OSHA Inspections ........................................................................... 23
C. Citations and penalties ................................................................................................. 25
Topic 6. Where can you go for help? ...................................................................................... 27
A. Sources within the workplace/worksite ......................................................................... 27
B. Sources outside the workplace/worksite ....................................................................... 28
C. How to file an OSHA complaint..................................................................................... 31
Lesson Summary ...................................................................................................................... 34
References................................................................................................................................. 35

09.2014

Introduction to OSHA Lesson

09.2014

Introduction to OSHA Trainer Prep

TRAINER PREPARATION GUIDANCE

The Introduction to OSHA lesson of the Outreach Training Program is intended to be used for General
Industry, Construction and/or Maritime Industry training. Trainers guidance on how to use the training
materials provided is as follows:
Using the Instructor Guide (IG): The IG consists of instructions for trainer preparation, a detailed lesson
plan, and instructor references for student Handouts 8a, #8b, and #8c. The IG contains detailed content,
activities, references and notes for the trainer. It is not intended to be a script that is read verbatim to
the students. Rather, trainers should review the entire guide (including referenced materials and
internet links) prior to conducting training, and use it as a resource in their planning and
presentation. The instructor presentation and preparation materials not included in this package may be
downloaded from the OSHA website at http://www.osha.gov. The OSHA standards may also be
purchased from the Government Printing Office (GPO) Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.
The learning objectives: The Introduction to OSHA lesson was developed based on the terminal (TO)
and enabling objectives (EO) below. These objectives are the expected student outcomes; therefore, the
trainer may not vary from these objectives when planning the training session.

TO: Given OSHA historical events and current information, the student will be able to
explain the importance of OSHA in providing a safe and healthful workplace to workers
covered by OSHA.
Specifically, the student will be able to:
EO 1: Explain why OSHA is important to workers
EO 2: Explain worker rights under OSHA
EO 3: Discuss employer responsibilities under OSHA
EO 4: Discuss the use of OSHA standards
EO 5: Explain how OSHA inspections are conducted
EO 6: Utilize helpful worker safety and health resources
Using the Slide Presentation: The Microsoft PowerPointTM 2010 file consists of 36 slides, which may be
used by the trainer as a visual aid during the session. However, the focus of the training should be on
discussion and interaction with the students, not on the PowerPointTM slides. The presentation was
developed using Microsoft PowerPointTM 2010; therefore, it is compatible with this and higher versions of
the product.
Using the Student Handout Packet: The packet contains 8 numbered handouts. In addition to printing a
copy for the instructor, copies of the Student Handout Packet should be made for each student.
An overview of the handouts and their use are tabled below. Instructions are contained in the Detailed
Content and Notes sections of this IG.
Handout
#1. OSHA Poster
#2. Your Rights as a Whistleblower
Fact Sheet
#3. Refusing to Work Because
Conditions are Dangerous
#4. Employers Must Provide and
Pay for most PPE
#5. Safety and Health Resources
#6. Navigating the OSHA Website
09.2014

Use
Topic 2: Discuss the worker rights included on the poster, as
well as additional worker rights.
Topic 2: Highlight when covering the worker right to be free
from retaliation for exercising safety and health rights.
Topic 2: Refer to when covering the worker right to refuse to do
a job if the worker believes in good faith that they are exposed
to an imminent danger.
Topic 3: Refer to when covering Section G. Provide and pay for
most PPE
Topic 6: Refer to when discussing safety and health resources
outside the workplace/worksite.
Topic 6: Discuss when covering the OSHA website.
Page i

Introduction to OSHA Trainer Prep

Handout
#7. Identifying Safety and Health
Problems in the Workplace
#8. Filing an OSHA Complaint
includes tips for completion,
scenario and form:
a. General Industry*;
b. Construction*;
c. Maritime Industry*

Use
Topic 6: Refer to when discussing filing a complaint to get
workplace hazards corrected.
Topic 6: Highlight when conducting the Filing an OSHA
Complaint Small Group Activity. Select the version (a, b or c)
which is appropriate for your audience. Appendix B, Handout
#8a, #8b, #8c Answer Sheet, may be used for instructor
reference.

*You may develop an alternate scenario for the activity covering filing a complaint (Handout #8a, #8b, or
#8c). If so, the following information should be included:
Company name, address and telephone number (and site information, if a different location)
Management official in charge
Type of business
Description of the hazard or hazards, including location and number of workers exposed
Whether the hazard has been brought to the attention of management or other government
agency
For the alternate scenario, you can use a situation with which you are familiar, or you can access OSHA
accident summaries for scenario ideas at: www.osha.gov/pls/imis/accidentsearch.html
Media and/or Teaching Methods
The Introduction to OSHA lesson has been set up as a facilitated, interactive training session. Practice
questions and activity sessions included are designed to increase student awareness and enable them to
apply what they have learned when they return to their workplaces.
Ideal Setting or Conditions for the Training Session
The ideal setting for this course is a classroom or other area where students have space to break into
groups.
Disclaimer
This material is intended for training purposes only. Its purpose is to provide basic information about
OSHA to workers and to inform workers of their rights under OSHA. This material is not a substitute for
any provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or any standards issued by OSHA.

09.2014

Page ii

Introduction to OSHA Lesson Overview

Lesson Overview
The purpose of this lesson is to provide workers with introductory information
about OSHA. This Instructor Guide is intended to be used when presenting
General Industry, Construction, and/or Maritime Industry outreach courses. The
lesson is comprised of the following six topics:
1. Why is OSHA important to you?
2. What rights do you have under OSHA?
3. What responsibilities does your employer have under OSHA?
4. What are OSHA standards?
5. How are OSHA inspections conducted?
6. Where can you go for help?
The lesson provides basic knowledge of: OSHAs history and mission, worker rights
under OSHA, employer responsibilities under OSHA, OSHA standards, OSHA
inspections, and safety and health resources, including how to file an OSHA complaint.
Training
Preparation:

Materials
Needed:

Listed in
presentation order
Flip chart and
markers
Presentation slides
Student handout
package
OSH Act
Copy of the OSHA
Standards,
General Industry,
Construction, or
Maritime
Check Yourself
Test Questions

09.2014

All About OSHA

publication
Complaint scenario
[Handouts #8a, #8b, and
#8c] answers [Appendix A]
Cornell University Library
site on the Triangle Fire:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/tr
ianglefire/
NIOSH website:
http://cdc.gov/niosh
OSHA website:
http://www.osha.gov
State Job Safety and
Health Programs Fact
Sheet
Training Requirements in
OSHA Standards and
Training Guidelines
publication

Student
Handout Packet:

#1. OSHA Poster

#2. Your Rights as a
Whistleblower Fact
Sheet
#3. Refusing to Work
Because Conditions are
Dangerous
#4. Employers Must Provide
and Pay for Most PPE
#5. Safety and Health
Resources
#6. Navigating the OSHA
Website
#7. Identifying Safety and
Health Problems in the
Workplace
#8. Filing an OSHA
Complaint includes tips
for completion, scenario
and form: a. General
Industry; b. Construction,
c. Maritime Industry

Page 1

Introduction to OSHA Lesson Overview

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Page 2

Topic 1 Why OSHA is Important

Topic 1: Why is OSHA important to you?

A. History of OSHA
B. OSHAs mission
C. Importance of this training

NOTES:

Instruction for Topic 1:

Discuss Detailed Content section.
Questions to Ask:
When, during your work experience, did you
first hear about OSHA?
What did you think about OSHA then?
What do you think OSHAs job is?
Detailed Content for Topic 1:
A. History of OSHA
OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of
Labor. OSHAs responsibility is worker safety and
health protection. The U.S. Congress created OSHA
under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
(the OSH Act). Congress passed the law and
established OSHA to assure so far as possible every
working man and woman in the nation safe and
healthful working conditions and to preserve our
human resources.
OSHA began because, until 1970, there were no
national laws for safety and health hazards.
Some events that led to the OSHA law include:
The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New
York City killed 146 of 500 employees in one of
the worst work-related disasters in our countrys
history. Factory workers, mainly young, female
immigrants working long hours for low wages,
died because doors were locked and there were
no fire escapes. This tragedy outraged the public,
who called for safety and health reform. Frances
Perkins, who later became the first Secretary of
Labor, investigated the Triangle fire and tried to
find ways to prevent future occurrences.

09.2014

If Internet access is available, and

time permits, briefly explore the
Cornell University Library web
exhibit on the Triangle Fire
(http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefi
re/ about.html) with the class.
There are also videos about the
fire on YouTube.com

Page 3

Topic 1 Why OSHA is Important

NOTES:
Production for World War I caused a crisis in
workplace safety and health conditions. The
government created a Working Conditions Service
to help states inspect plants and reduce hazards.
In the 1930s, as part of President Roosevelts
New Deal, additional laws increased the federal
governments role in job safety and health. But the
federal role was mainly to provide service and
information to state governments. By the late
1950s, the Federal-State partnership could no
longer deal with the growing workforce and
increasing hazards. Additional federal laws were
enacted, but only covered certain industries.
By the 1960s, 14,000 workers died every year
and more than 2.2 million workers were not able
to work from injuries and illnesses.

Many thought that the only solution was a Federal law

with the same rules and enforcement for everyone.
On December 29, 1970, President Nixon signed the
OSH Act. This Act created OSHA, the agency, which
formally came into being on April 28, 1971. With the
creation of OSHA, for the first time, all employers in
the United States had the legal responsibility to
provide a safe and healthful workplace for employees.
And, there were now uniform regulations that applied
to all workplaces.

Ask the class if anyone

has seen the OSH Act.
Tell them that they can
find it on OSHAs website. Show
them the website, if internet
access is available, or have a hard
copy of the Act to show them.

The OSH Act is also known as Public Law 91-596. It

covers all private sector employers and their workers
in the 50 states and all territories and jurisdictions
under federal authority. Employers and workers in
many fields, including but not limited to
manufacturing, construction, longshoring, agriculture,
law, medicine, charity and disaster relief are covered
by OSHA. Religious groups are covered if they
employ workers for secular purposes, such as
maintenance or gardening.

The OSH Act covers Federal

workers by conducting inspections
in response to complaints, but
OSHA cannot propose monetary
fines against federal agencies.

09.2014

Page 4

Topic 1 Why OSHA is Important

Which groups do not come under OSHAs coverage?

The self-employed;
Immediate members of farming families not
employing outside workers;
Mine workers, certain truckers and transportation
workers, and atomic energy workers who are
covered by other federal agencies;
Public employees in state and local governments,
although some states have their own plans that
cover these workers.

NOTES:

B. OSHAs mission
Now that you know a little bit about why OSHA was
created, lets talk about OSHAs mission. The mission
of OSHA is to assure safe and healthful working
conditions for working men and women by setting and
enforcing standards and by providing training,
outreach, education and assistance.
To achieve this, federal and state governments work
together with more than 100 million working men and
women and eight million employers. Some of the
things OSHA does to carry out its mission are:
developing job safety and health standards and
enforcing them through worksite inspections, and
providing training programs to increase knowledge
about occupational safety and health.
OSHA also assists the States in their efforts to assure
safe and healthful working conditions, through OSHAapproved job safety and health programs operated by
individual states. State plans are OSHA-approved job
safety and health programs operated by individual
states instead of federal OSHA. States with approved
plans cover most private sector employees as well as
state and local government workers in the state. State
plan programs respond to accidents and employee
complaints and conduct unannounced inspections,
just like federal OSHA. And, some states have
OSHA-approved plans that cover only state and local
government workers.
09.2014

Refer to the OSHA website for

additional information on State
Programs and a State Plan
directory.
If you are conducting training in a
location with state jurisdiction,
discuss the Federal/State
relationship in more detail. Refer to
the State Job Safety & Health
Programs Fact Sheet for additional
information.

Page 5

Topic 1 Why OSHA is Important

C. Importance of this training

Even though OSHA has had an impact on worker
safety and health, significant hazards and unsafe
conditions still exist in U.S. workplaces.
Bureau of Labor Statistics and OSHA 2013 and 2012
data:
4,405 workers were killed on the job in 2013 (3.2
per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers)
This is an average of nearly 12 deaths every day
797 Hispanic or Latino workers were killed from
work-related injuries in 2013
Nearly 3.0 million serious workplace injuries and
illnesses were reported by private industry
employers in 2012
OSHA is a small agency, with approximately 1000
federal inspectors and 1400 state inspectors to cover
about eight million workplaces. As you can see from
these numbers, OSHA cannot be everywhere. That is
why it is important for you to know your rights and for
employers to be aware of their responsibilities under
OSHA. This training will help you know whether your
employer is complying with OSHA standards, what
rights you have related to job safety and health, and
where you can go if you need help.

NOTES:
During discussion of OSHAs
impact and what remains to be
done, re-emphasize the fatalities
reported to OSHA in a one week
timeframe from the Small Group
Activity conducted earlier.
Discuss how OSHA Makes a
Difference: Worker deaths in
America are downon average,
from about 38 worker deaths a day
in 1970 to 12 a day in 2013.
Worker injuries and illnesses are
downfrom 10.9 incidents per 100
workers in 1972 to 3.0 per 100 in
2012.
Source:
http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/c
ommonstats.html
http://www.bls.gov/news.release
/archives/osh_11072013.htm

When you know your rights, and when employers act

responsibly to prevent hazards, the result will be fewer
worker deaths, injuries and illnesses. Training and
education are key in making this happen.

09.2014

Page 6

Topic 2 Worker Rights

Topic 2. What rights do you have under OSHA?

A. Right to a safe and healthful workplace
B. Right to know about hazardous chemicals
C. Right to information about injuries and illnesses
in your workplace
D. Right to complain or request hazard correction
from employer
E. Right to training
F. Right to hazard exposure and medical records
G. Right to file a complaint with OSHA
H. Right to participate in an OSHA inspection
I. Right to be free from retaliation for exercising
safety and health rights
Instruction for Topic 2:
1. Refer to the OSHA Poster and discuss the
worker rights included. Note that there are
additional rights that will be discussed in this
session.
2. Discuss Detailed Content section.

NOTES:

Refer to Handout #1: Copy of

OSHA Poster

Detailed Content for Topic 2

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gave
workers many new rights related to safety and health.
OSHA standards which have been issued since then,
such as the Hazard Communication or Right to Know
standard, provide additional rights.

09.2014

Page 7

Topic 2 Worker Rights

A. Right to a safe & healthful workplace

Most importantly, the creation of OSHA provided
workers the right to a safe and healthful workplace.
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act states: Each employer
shall furnish to each of his employees employment
and a place of employment which are free from
recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to
cause death or serious physical harm to his
employees." A safe and healthful workplace means
that hazards are removed and workers are trained. If a
hazard cannot be removed completely, protection (for
example, respirators or earplugs) must be provided. It
is the duty of the employers to provide workplaces that
are free of known dangers that could harm their
employees. This law also gives workers important
rights to participate in activities to ensure their
protection from job hazards

NOTES:
Ask the class if they have
seen the OSHA poster in
their workplace. If so, ask
where it is posted.
Tell the class that all employers
covered by the OSHA Act must
display the OSHA poster.
(Employers in states operating
OSHA-approved state plans
should obtain and post the states
equivalent poster.)

Ask the class to provide

examples of how a safe
and healthful workplace is
provided [or should be provided] at
their workplace or worksite.

Some examples of a safe/healthful workplace include:

Fall protection and training are provided and
required when working at high levels on a
construction site.
Machines and equipment with rotating and
moving parts are guarded.
If not discussed, provide additional examples, such as:
Trenches are inspected and have protective
systems in place.
Proper confined space entry procedures,
testing, equipment, and training are present.
Noise levels are controlled. When levels are still
high, workers are given hearing tests and are
provided training and hearing protection.
Protection from chemical hazards is provided,
including an evaluation of chemicals used, a
written program, Safety Data Sheets, worker
protection (for example, respirators or gloves),
and information and training.

09.2014

Page 8

Topic 2 Worker Rights

B. Right to know about hazardous chemicals

Another important right is the Right to Know about
hazardous substances in your workplace. Employers
must have a written, complete hazard communication
program that includes information on:

Container labeling,
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and
Worker training. The training must include the
physical and health hazards of the chemicals
and how workers can protect themselves;
including specific procedures the employer has
implemented to protect workers, such as work
practices, emergency procedures, and personal
protective equipment.

NOTES:

The Hazard Communication

Standard (HCS) requires chemical
manufacturers, distributors, or
importers to provide Safety Data
Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as
Material Safety Data Sheets or
MSDSs) to communicate the
hazards of hazardous chemical
products. As of June 1, 2015, the
HCS will require new SDSs to be
in a uniform format.

The program must also include a list of the hazardous

chemicals in each work area and the means the
employer uses to inform workers of the hazards of
non-routine tasks. In addition, the program must
explain how the employer will inform other employers
of hazards to which their workers may be exposed (for
example, contract workers).
C. Right to information about injuries and
illnesses in your workplace
OSHAs Recordkeeping rule requires most employers
with more than 10 workers to keep a log of injuries
and illnesses. The log, which is also called the OSHA
300, must contain all work-related injuries and
illnesses resulting in lost workdays, restricted work or
transfer to another job, as well as any incident
requiring more than first aid treatment.
You have the right to report an injury and review the
current log, as well as the logs stored for the past 5
years. The employer must provide this by the end of
the next workday. The names and other information
on the log may not be removed, unless the case is a
privacy concern case. You also have the right to
view the annually posted summary of the injuries and
illnesses (OSHA 300A).
09.2014

Ask the class if their

employer has set up a way
for them to report injuries
and illnesses.
The right to review the log includes
former employees, their personal
representatives, and authorized
employee representatives.
Privacy concern cases are those
involving an intimate body part,
mental illness, HIV, etc. For more
detail, see 1904.29(b)(7).

Page 9

Topic 2 Worker Rights

D. Right to complain or request hazard correction

from your employer
Workers may bring up safety and health concerns in
the workplace to their employers without fear of
discharge or discrimination, as long as the complaint
is made in good faith. OSHA regulations [29 CFR
1977.9(c)] protect workers who raise concerns to their
employer or to OSHA about unsafe or unhealthful
conditions in the workplace. You cannot be
transferred, denied a raise, have your hours reduced,
be fired, or punished in any other way because you
have exercised any right afforded to you under the
OSH Act.

NOTES:
Ask the class if they have
ever reported a hazard to
their supervisor. If so,
what was the outcome?
1977.9(c) states: the principles of
the Act would be seriously
undermined if employees were
discouraged from lodging
complaints about occupational
safety and health matters with their
employers. Such complaints to
employers, if made in good faith,
therefore would be related to the
Act, and an employee would be
protected against discharge or
discrimination caused by a
complaint to the employer.

Since you are often closest to potential safety and

health hazards, you have a vested interest in reporting
problems so that the employer gets them fixed. If the
hazard is not getting corrected, you should then
contact OSHA.
E. Right to training
You have a right to get training from your employer on
a variety of health and safety hazards and standards
that your employer must follow. Were already
discussed the training required under OSHAs Hazard
Communication (Right to Know) standard. Other
required training includes chemical hazards,
equipment hazards, noise, confined spaces, fall
hazards in construction, personal protective
equipment, and a variety of other subjects.
The training must be in a language and vocabulary
workers can understand.

09.2014

Reference Reference April 28,

2010 OSHA Training Standards
Policy Statement from Assistant
Secretary, David Michaels, PhD,
MPH located at:
http://www.osha.gov/dep/standa
rds-policy-statement-memo-0428-10.html

Page 10

Topic 2 Worker Rights

F. Right to hazardous exposure records and

medical records
Under OSHAs standard 1910.1020, you have the
right to examine and copy exposure and medical
records, including records of workplace monitoring or
measuring a toxic substance. This is important if you
have been exposed to toxic substances or harmful
physical agents in the workplace, as this regulation
may help you detect, prevent, and treat occupational
disease. Examples of toxic substances and harmful
physical agents are:
Metals and dusts, such as, lead, cadmium, and
silica.
Biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses,
and fungi.
Physical stress, such as noise, heat, cold,
vibration, repetitive motion, and ionizing and
non-ionizing radiation.

NOTES:

Access means the right to examine

and copy medical and exposure
records.

OSHA standards require employers to measure

exposure to harmful substances, and workers or their
representatives have the right to observe the testing
and examine the results. If the exposure levels are
above the limit set by the standard, the employer must
tell workers what will be done to reduce their
exposure.
G. Right to file a complaint with OSHA
You may file a confidential complaint with OSHA if you
believe a violation of a safety or health standard, or an
imminent danger situation, exists in your workplace.
You may request that your name not be revealed to
your employer. You can file a complaint on OSHAs
web site, in writing or by telephone to the nearest
OSHA area office. You may also call the office and
speak with an OSHA compliance officer about a
hazard, violation, or the process for filing a complaint.
If you file a complaint, you have the right to find out
OSHAs action on the complaint and request a review
if an inspection is not made.

09.2014

Filing a complaint is covered later

in this session.
Often the best and fastest way to
get a hazard corrected is to notify
your supervisor or employer

Page 11

Topic 2 Worker Rights

H. Right to participate in an OSHA inspection

If an OSHA inspection is conducted in your workplace,
you have the right to have your representative
accompany the inspector on the inspection. You also
have the right to talk to the inspector privately. You
may point out hazards, describe injuries, illnesses or
near misses that resulted from those hazards and
describe any concern you have about a safety or
health issue. You also have the right to find out about
inspection results and abatement measures, and get
involved in any meetings or hearings related to the
inspection. You may also object to the date set for the
violation to be corrected and be notified if the
employer files a contest.
I. Right to be free from retaliation for exercising
safety and health rights
Workers have a right to seek safety and health on the
job without fear of punishment. That right is spelled
out in Section 11(c) of the OSH Act. The law says the
employer shall not punish or discriminate against
employees for exercising such rights as complaining
to the employer, union, OSHA, or any other
government agency about job safety and health
hazards. Workers are also protected for participation
in OSHA inspections, conferences, hearings, and
other OSHA-related activities.

NOTES:

CONTEST: If an employer
disagrees with the results of the
OSHA inspection, he or she may
submit a written objection to
OSHA, called a Notice of Contest.

Refer to Handout #2: Your Rights

as a Whistleblower Fact Sheet

Refer to Handout #3: Refusing to

Workers also have the right to refuse to do a job if
Work because Conditions are
they believe in good faith that they are exposed to an
Dangerous
imminent danger. "Good faith" means that even if an
imminent danger is not found to exist, the worker had
reasonable grounds to believe that it did exist. Since
the conditions necessary to justify a work refusal are
very stringent, refusing work should be an action taken
as a last resort. If time permits, the condition should
be reported to OSHA or the appropriate government
agency. If you believe you have been punished for
exercising your safety and health rights, you must
contact OSHA within 30 days.
09.2014

Page 12

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

Topic 3. What responsibilities does your employer

have under OSHA?
A. Provide a workplace free from recognized
hazards and comply with OSHA standards
B. Provide training required by OSHA standards
C. Keep records of injuries and illnesses
Set up a reporting system
Provide copies of logs, upon request
Post the annual summary
Report within 8 hours any accident resulting
in a fatality
Report any work-related hospitalization,
amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours
D. Provide medical exams when required by
OSHA standards and provide workers access
to their exposure and medical records
E. Not discriminate against workers who exercise
their rights under the Act (Section 11(c))
F. Post OSHA citations and hazard correction
notices
G. Provide and pay for most PPE

NOTES:

Instruction for Topic 3:

1. Discuss Detailed Content section.
2. Ask the class about safety and health training
they have received on the job.
DETAILED CONTENT for Topic 3:
A. Provide a workplace free from recognized
hazards and comply with OSHA standards
Establishing a safe and healthful workplace requires
every employer to make safety and health a priority. In
general, OSHA requires employers to:

09.2014

Page 13

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

Maintain conditions and adopt practices

reasonably necessary to protect workers on the
job. The first and best strategy is to control the
hazard at its source. Engineering controls do this,
unlike other controls that generally focus on the
worker who is exposed to the hazard. The basic
concept behind engineering controls is that, to the
extent feasible, the work environment and the job
itself should be designed to eliminate hazards or
reduce exposure to hazards.
Be familiar with the standards that apply to their
workplaces, and comply with these standards.
Ensure that workers are provided with, and use,
personal protective equipment, when needed.
[When exposure to hazards cannot be engineered
completely out of normal operations or
maintenance work, and when safe work practices
and other forms of administrative controls cannot
provide sufficient additional protection, an
additional method of control is the use of protective
clothing or equipment. This is collectively called
personal protective equipment, or PPE. PPE may
also be appropriate for controlling hazards while
engineering and work practice controls are being
installed.], and
Comply with the OSH Acts General Duty Clause
where no specific standards apply. [The general
duty clause, or Section 5(a)(1) of the Act requires
each employer to furnish a place of employment
which is free from recognized hazards that are
causing or are likely to cause death or serious
physical harm to employees.]

B. Provide training required by OSHA standards

We already discussed your right to receive training
from your employer on a variety of health and safety
hazards and standards, such as chemical right to
know, fall protection, confined spaces and personal
protective equipment.

09.2014

NOTES:

See the publication, Training

Requirements in OSHA Standards
and Training Guidelines for
additional information.

Page 14

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

Many OSHA standards specifically require the

employer to train workers in the safety and health
aspects of their jobs. Other OSHA standards make it
the employers responsibility to limit certain job
assignments to those who are certified, competent,
or qualifiedmeaning that they have had special
previous training, in or out of the workplace.
OSHA believes that training is an essential part of
protecting workers from injuries and illnesses.

NOTES:

OSHA construction standards include a general

training requirement, which states: The employer
shall instruct each employee in the recognition and
avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations
applicable to his work environment to control or
eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or
injury. Additional general training requirements for
construction include training for workers:
required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and
other harmful substances;
who may be exposed to job sites where harmful
plants or animals are present;
required to handle or use flammable liquids,
gases, or toxic materials; or
required to enter into confined or enclosed
spaces.
There are also more specific training requirements,
particularly in standards put into effect since 1990. For
example, OSHAs scaffold standard and fall protection
standard each has a separate section on training
requirements that is intended to clarify the general
training requirements in 1926.21(b)(2).

See 1926.21(b)

09.2014

Ask the class about safety

and health training they
have received prior to this
course.

See 1926.454(a) and 1926.503(a)

OSHA construction standards for
scaffolds and fall protection.

Page 15

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

The scaffold requirement says that employers shall

have each employee who performs work while on a
scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject
matter to recognize the hazards associated with the
type of scaffold being used and to understand the
procedures to control or minimize those hazards. It
goes into detail about what the training must cover.
The fall protection standard has similar requirements.
OSHAs Hazard Communication standard applies to
both General Industry and Construction workers and
requires that employers provide workers with effective
information and training on hazardous chemicals in
their work area at the time of their initial assignment,
and whenever a new physical or health hazard is
introduced. In addition, as we discussed earlier,
chemical-specific information must always be
available through labels and safety data sheets
(SDSs).

NOTES:

See 1910.1200(h), OSHA standard

for Hazard Communication
information and training.

OSHA requires the use of personal protective

equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to
hazards when engineering and administrative controls
are not feasible or effective in reducing these
exposures to acceptable levels. Employers are
required to determine if PPE should be used to protect
their workers.
If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be
implemented. This program should address the
hazards present; the selection, maintenance, and use
of PPE; the training of employees; and monitoring of
the program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
1910.132(f) (which applies to General Industry
workplaces) contains detailed training requirements
for workers who must wear or use PPE.

09.2014

Page 16

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

C. Keep records of injuries and illnesses

Including:
Set up a reporting system
Provide copies of logs, upon request
Post the annual summary
Report within 8 hours any accident resulting in
a fatality
Report all work-related hospitalizations,
amputations, and loss of an eye within 24 hours
Recordkeeping is an important part of an employers
responsibilities. Keeping records allows OSHA to
collect survey material, helps OSHA identify highhazard industries, and informs you, the worker, about
the injuries and illnesses in your workplace. About 1.5
million employers with 11 or more employees-20
percent of the establishments OSHA covers-must
keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
Workplaces in low-hazard industries such as retail,
service, finance, insurance, and real estate are
exempt from recordkeeping requirements.

NOTES:

Employers exempt from

recordkeeping requirements must
still report work-related deaths and
in-patient hospitalizations,
amputations, and loss of an eye

Reporting and Recording Checklist

Employers must:

Report each worker death to OSHA

Report work-related hospitalizations,
amputations, or loss of an eye
Maintain injury & illness records
Inform workers how to report an injury or
illness to the employer
Make records available to workers
Allow OSHA access to records
Post annual summary of injuries & illnesses

For specific information on exactly which cases must

be recorded, you can go to Title 29 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1904Recording and
Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. The
forms your employer must keep are:
The Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
(commonly called the OSHA 300 Log) is used
to list injuries and illnesses and track days
away from work, restricted, or transferred.
09.2014

Page 17

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

D. Provide medical exams when required by

OSHA standards and provide workers access
to their exposure and medical records

NOTES:

We discussed access to medical records earlier when

covering worker rights. When you are working with
chemicals or other hazardous substances, your
employer may be required to conduct monitoring or
provide medical examinations that involve you.
An example of this would be if you are working with
lead, such as removing or stripping substantial
quantities of lead-based paints on large bridges and
other structures. Plumbers, welders, and painters are
among those workers most exposed to lead.
Your employer must give you copies of medical or
exposure records involving you if you request them.
E. Not discriminate against workers who exercise
their rights under the Act (Section 11(c))
Section 11(c) of the Act prohibits your employer from
discharging or in any manner retaliating against you or
any worker for exercising your rights under the Act.
Weve covered many of your rights under OSHA
earlier. Can you recall some of them?
Depending upon the circumstances of the case,
"discrimination" can include: firing or laying off;
demoting; denying overtime or promotion; disciplining;
reducing pay or hours, and other actions. If you
believe your employer has discriminated against you
because you exercised your safety and health rights,
contact your local OSHA Office right away. The OSH
Act gives you only 30 days to report discrimination.

09.2014

Ask the class to recall some

of their rights under OSHA.
Rights include: right to a workplace
free of hazards, receiving training,
access to injury/illness and
medical records, complaining to
your employer or OSHA about a
safety and health problem,
participating in an OSHA
inspection, and participating or
testifying in any proceeding related
to an OSHA inspection.
OSHA also administers the
whistleblower provisions of 17
other statutes, protecting workers
who report violations of various
trucking, airline, nuclear power and
environmental laws.

Page 18

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

F. Post OSHA citations and hazard correction

notices

NOTES:

An OSHA citation informs the employer and workers

of the standards violated, the length of time set for
correction, and proposed penalties resulting from an
OSHA inspection.

See Abatement Verification

Regulation, 1903.19, for additional
information.

Your employer must post a copy of each citation at or

near places where the violations occurred for 3 days
or until the violation is fixed (whichever is longer).
Employers also have to inform workers of what they
have done to fix the violation, allow workers to
examine and copy abatement documents sent to
OSHA, and tag cited movable equipment to warn
workers of the hazard.
G. Provide and pay for most PPE
As we mentioned earlier, OSHA requires the use of
personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce
employee exposure to hazards when engineering and
administrative controls are not feasible or effective in
reducing these exposures to acceptable levels.
Employers are required to determine if PPE should be
used to protect their workers.
OSHA also requires that employers pay for most
required PPE, except for uniforms, items worn to keep
clean, weather-related gear, logging boots, and nonspecialty safety toe protective footwear (including
steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty
prescription safety eyewear, as long as the employer
permits the items to be worn off the job-site.

09.2014

Refer to Handout #4: Employers

Must Provide and Pay for most
PPE
Ask the class if anyone
wears personal protective
equipment on their job and
discuss the requirement for
employers to provide and pay for
PPE. The Employer Payment for
Personal Protective Equipment
rule was effective on February 13,
2008 and had to be implemented
by May 15, 2008.

Page 19

Topic 3 Employer Responsibilities

Examples of PPE that employers must pay for include:

Metatarsal foot protection
Rubber boots with steel toes
Non-prescription eye protection
Prescription eyewear inserts/lenses for full face
respirators
Goggles and face shields
Firefighting PPE (helmet, gloves, boots
proximity suits, full gear)
Hard hat
Hearing protection
Welding PPE

09.2014

NOTES:

Page 20

Topic 4 OSHA Standards

Topic 4. What are OSHA standards?

A. Types of standards
B. Most Frequently Cited standards

NOTES:

Instruction for Topic 4:

Discuss Detailed Content section.
DETAILED CONTENT for Topic 4:
A. Types of Standards:
Now, lets talk briefly about the OSHA standards.
OSHA standards fall into four categories:
General Industry
Construction
Maritime
Agriculture
OSHA issues standards for a wide variety of
workplace hazards, including:
Toxic substances
Electrical hazards
Fall hazards
Hazardous waste
Machine hazards
Infectious diseases
Fire and explosion hazards
Dangerous atmospheres
In addition, as we discussed previously, where there
are no specific OSHA standards, employers must
comply with the OSH Act's "general duty clause."

Discuss/Show: Copy of the

OSHA standards book (General
Industry or Construction)

General Duty Clause violations

cited by OSHA can be found on
OSHAs website at:
http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/
index.html
You can query by Hazard
Category, such as Crushing,
Chemical or Guarding to locate
actual violations cited. One
example, from a search using
Crushing, is: An employee was
exposed to crushing hazards when
a scissor lift rolled down a ramp,
pinning him against a backhoe
while he was attempting to move
the lift off a flatbed. Emergency
procedures such as chocking were
not followed.

The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires

that each employer "furnish ... a place of employment
which [is] free from recognized hazards that are
causing or are likely to cause death or serious
physical harm to his employees.

09.2014

Page 21

Topic 4 OSHA Standards

OSHA standards:
Limit the amount of hazardous chemicals,
substances, or noise that workers can be
exposed to
Require the use of certain safe work practices
and equipment
Require employers to monitor certain hazards
and keep records of workplace injuries and
illnesses

NOTES:

OSHA standards appear in the Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR). The OSHA standards are broken
down into Parts:
Part 1910 is known as the General Industry
Standards; Some of the types of industries
covered by the General Industry standards are
manufacturing, the service sector, and health
care
Part 1926 covers the Construction industry
Parts 1915, 1917 and 1918 are Maritime
Industry standards
B. Most Frequently Cited Standards
OSHAs website provides information regarding the
most frequently cited standards.

09.2014

If time allows and there is Internet

access, follow along live with the
example on slide 21.

Page 22

Topic 5 OSHA Inspections

Topic 5. How are OSHA inspections conducted?

A. OSHA Inspections
B. Different Types of OSHA Inspections
C. Citations and penalties

NOTES:

Instruction for Topic 5:

1. Discuss Detailed Content section.
2. Ask the class if anyone has been at work during
an OSHA inspection. If so, ask them to briefly
share their experience.
3. Have the class answer the Questions for
Review.
Detailed Content for Topic 5:
A. OSHA Inspections
The OSH Act authorizes OSHA compliance
safety and health officers (CSHOs) to conduct
workplace inspections at reasonable times
OSHA conducts inspections without advance
notice, except in rare circumstances (e.g.
Imminent Danger)
In fact, anyone who tells an employer about an
OSHA inspection in advance can receive fines
and a jail term
B. Different Types of OSHA Inspections
Imminent danger
Fatality or hospitalizations
Worker complaints/referrals
Targeted inspectionsLocal Emphasis
Program (LEP), National Emphasis Program
(NEP), particular hazards or industries
Follow-up Inspections
Imminent danger has top priority. This is a condition
where there is reasonable certainty a danger exists
that can be expected to cause death or serious
physical harm immediately (or before the danger can
be removed through normal enforcement).

09.2014

An example of imminent danger

could be workers working in an
unstable trench that has no
shoring or sloping. In such cases,
OSHA may contact the employer
and try to have workers removed
from the danger right away. In any
case, a CSHO will make an
inspection, no later than one day
after the report was received.

Page 23

Topic 5 OSHA Inspections

Fatality or hospitalizations: These are next in

priority. OSHA starts these investigations as soon as
possible after getting the report. CSHOs gather
evidence and interview the employer, workers, and
others to determine the causes of the event and
whether violations occurred.

NOTES:

Worker complaints/referrals: A worker or worker

representative can file a complaint about a safety or
health hazard in the workplace. Referrals usually are
from a government agency, such as NIOSH or a local
health department. They are handled the same way as
complaints.

Generally, it is necessary for the

complaint to be written and signed
for OSHA to conduct an
inspection. In other cases, OSHA
may contact the employer by
phone, email or fax.

Targeted Inspections: Special Emphasis Programs

(SEPs) provide for programmed inspections of
establishments in industries with potentially high injury
or illness rates that are not covered by other
programmed inspection scheduling systems. SEPs
can include National Emphasis Programs (NEPs),
Regional Emphasis Programs (REPs) and Local
Emphasis Programs (LEPs).

SEPs provide for inspections of

establishments in industries with
potentially high injury or illness
rates that are not covered by other
programmed inspection scheduling
systems or, if covered, where the
potentially high injury or illness
rates are not addressed to the
extent considered adequate under
the specific circumstances. SEPs
are also based on potential
exposure to health hazards. SEPs
may also be used to develop and
implement alternative scheduling
procedures or other departures
from national procedures. (Source:
OSHA Field Operations Manual)

LEPs and REPs are types of SEP in which one or

more Area Offices of a Region participate. LEPs and
REPs are generally based on knowledge of local
industry hazards or local industry injury/illness
experience. LEPs and REPs must be developed and
approved when one or more Area Offices within a
Region target inspections to a specific industry(ies),
hazard(s), or other workplace characteristic(s), e.g., as
part of, or in conjunction with, a local initiative or
problem-solving project. Lists of LEPs and NEPs may
be found on the OSHA website under the
Enforcement tab.
Follow-up Inspections: The primary purpose of a
follow-up inspection is to determine if the previously
cited violations have been corrected.

09.2014

Page 24

Topic 5 OSHA Inspections

C. Citations and penalties

Citations inform the employer and workers of:
Regulations and standards the employer
allegedly violated;
Any hazardous working conditions covered by
the OSH Acts General Duty Clause;
The proposed length of time set for abatement
of hazards; and
Any proposed penalties
Citations are sent by certified mail to the facility.
The employer must post a copy of each citation
at or near the place the violation occurred for 3
days or until it is fixed.
Employers must also inform workers and their
representatives of the correction they make.
VIOLATION TYPE

WILLFUL
A violation that the
employer intentionally and
knowingly commits or a
violation that the employer
commits with plain
indifference to the law.

PENALTY
OSHA may propose
penalties of up to $70,000
for each willful violation,
with a minimum penalty of
$5,000 for each willful
violation.

NOTES:

Criminal Willful violations, which

involve the death of a worker, may
have a penalty of up to $250,000
for an individual and $500,000 for
an organization, or by up to 6
months in jail.

SERIOUS
A violation where there is
substantial probability that
death or serious physical
harm could result and that
the employer knew, or
should have known, of the
hazard.

There is a mandatory
penalty for serious
violations which may be up
to $7,000.

OTHER-THAN-SERIOUS
A violation that has a direct
relationship to safety and
health, but probably would
not cause death or serious
physical harm.

REPEATED
A violation that is the same or
similar to a previous violation.

09.2014

OSHA may propose a

penalty of up to $7,000 for
each other-than-serious
violation.

Ask the class if they can

think of an example of:

a serious violation.
(An example would be not
providing guarding or fall
protection for workers on a 25
foot scaffold. The resulting fall
would most likely result in
death, broken bones and/or
other serious injuries.)
an other-than-serious
violation. (An example of this
type of violation could be an
area with poor housekeeping,
creating a tripping hazard. The
most likely result would be
abrasions or bruises.
However, this would only be
the case if there were no sharp
objects, broken glass, etc. in
the area.),

OSHA may propose

penalties of up to $70,000
for each repeated violation.

Page 25

Topic 5 OSHA Inspections

Penalties are based on violation type. OSHA may cite NOTES:

the following violations and propose the following
penalties: OSHA may also assess penalties to
employers for the following:
Failure to Abate. OSHA may propose an
additional penalty of up to $7,000 for each day
an employer fails to correct a previously cited
violation beyond the required date.
Falsifying Information. Under the OSH Act, an
employer providing false information to OSHA
can receive a fine of up to $10,000 or up to 6
months in jail, or both.
Violation of Posting. The employer has to post
citations and abatement verification for three
days or until the hazard is corrected. The
posting has to be near the violation or at a
central location. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in a penalty of up to
$7,000 for each violation.
OSHA may adjust a penalty downward depending on
the gravity of the violation, the employer's good faith
(efforts to comply with the Act), history of previous
violations, and size of business.
Both workers and the employer have the right to
participate in the hearing and request a further review
of the judge's decision by the commission.
Questions for Review
1. Give an example of a reason why OSHA would
conduct an inspection at your workplace.
2. What are the types of OSHA violations?

09.2014

Answers
1. If a worker files a complaint, if
there is a fatality, if there is an
imminent danger situation, etc.
2. Willful, serious, other-thanserious, repeated and
Criminal/Willful.

Page 26

Topic 6 Sources of Help & Filing a Complaint

Topic 6. Where can you go for help?

A. Sources within the workplace/worksite
B. Sources outside the workplace/worksite
C. How to file an OSHA complaint

NOTES:

Instruction for Topic 6:

1. Discuss Detailed Content section.
2. Conduct Small Group Activity: Completing an
OSHA Complaint.
3. Have the class answer the Questions for
Review
Detailed Content for Topic 6:
A. Sources within the workplace/worksite
There are many resources available to you if you
want to find out more information about a safety or
health issue in your workplace. Some sources are:

Employer or supervisor, co-workers and union

representatives OSHA encourages workers and
employers to work together to reduce hazards. If
possible, you should discuss safety and health
problems with your employer. You can also talk
over your concerns with other workers or your
union representatives (if there is a union).
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information on
chemicals Recall that if you are working with a
chemical, the SDS can give you important
information about its hazards and the precautions
and personal protective equipment needed to work
safely with it.
Labels and warning signs Labels and signs can
show hazard information to workers and can be
useful in providing additional information and
making you aware of a potential safety or health
hazard. However, signs are not intended to take
the place of actual hazard correction. For example,
a Danger sign on an unguarded piece of
machinery does not meet OSHA requirements
because the hazard is still present.

09.2014

OSHA standards such as those for

hazard communication, egress,
confined space and Bloodborne
Pathogens require labels and signs.
The employer must make sure that
each sign or label posted can be
understood by all workers, so the
signs must be bilingual if workers
do not understand or read English.

Page 27

Topic 6 Sources of Help & Filing a Complaint

Employee orientation manuals or other training

materials Orientation manuals and training
materials about your job should include information
about how to work safely. As we discussed earlier
in this session, employers are required to provide
training to workers exposed to certain hazards,
including chemicals, falls, and confined spaces. All
manuals and training materials should be written
clearly and spell out what you need to know about
your job hazards. They can also serve as a
resource if you have questions or concerns at a
later date.
Work tasks and procedures instruction A
written job or task instruction can provide
information about the proper and safe way to
perform a job. OSHA considers some jobs and
tasks very hazardous, such as locking out
machinery, and requires employers to have written
procedures. If you have questions about a new job
or task, or a job or task that has changed, be sure
to ask for the written procedures and for additional
training on them.

NOTES:

B. Sources outside the workplace/worksite

If you cannot find out the safety and health information
you need in your workplace, there are many resources
available outside the workplace.

09.2014

Refer to Handout #5: Safety &

Health Resources

Page 28

Topic 6 Sources of Help & Filing a Complaint

OSHA website: http://www.osha.gov

and OSHA offices
If you have internet access, you will find that the
OSHA website has a lot of safety and health
information and links to resources that can help you.
For example, from the Home Page, you can:
Find information in Spanish from the OSHA en
Espaol page,
Locate Fact Sheets and QuickCards by going to
the Publications page.
o OSHA Fact Sheets provide basic
background information on safety and
health hazards, and
o QuickCards are small, laminated cards
that provide brief, plain language safety
and health information for workers. For
example, there are QuickCards on fall
hazards, carbon monoxide, and
pneumatic nail gun safety.
You can contact OSHA by calling or visiting your local
area or regional office for safety and health information
or to discuss filing a complaint. Compliance
Assistance Specialists in the area offices conduct
many training sessions and have training materials
and information that can be useful.

NOTES:
Refer to Handout #6: Navigating
the OSHA Website
OSHA website:
http://www.osha.gov ; Show the
links to OSHA en Espaol, Fact
Sheets and QuickCards, etc. If time
permits, show how to conduct a
search on a safety and health topic
or hazard. For example, if you put
Lead in the Search Box, you get
results including the standards in
General Industry and Construction,
as well as Safety and Health Topics
pages and a publication on lead
exposure in construction.

Locate the appropriate OSHA area

or regional office contact
information for your audience and
provide it to the class.

Show the class the NIOSH website:

NIOSH is OSHAs sister agency, with a focus on
www.cdc.gov/niosh
research and training. NIOSH can be a great resource
for workers. NIOSH also conducts Health Hazard
Evaluations (HHEs) of workplaces in cases where
workers are getting sick from an unknown cause or
are exposed to an agent or working condition that is
not regulated by OSHA. A worker can request an HHE
if he or she is currently an employee at the workplace
of concern and has the signatures of two other
workers.

09.2014

Page 29

Topic 6 Sources of Help & Filing a Complaint

Other resources that can help you get information on

safety and health concerns include:

OTI Education Centers (OTIEC) and other

University occupational and environmental health
programs. The OTIECs offer the most popular
OSHA courses and a variety of safety and health
programs including community outreach efforts,
Spanish-language courses, and youth initiatives.
Doctors, nurses, and other health care providers
can be a resource on the health effects of toxic
substances, proper medical and first aid treatment,
and other health-related issues. If you are
discussing a health concern with your health care
provider, try to provide them with as much
information about the chemical or substance as
possible. For example, if you are getting
headaches at work, try to get the names and SDSs
or labels of the chemicals to which you are
exposed.
Public libraries have books, journals and
magazines on various safety and health topics, as
well as internet access.
Other local, community-based resources, such as
the National Council for Occupational Safety and
Health (COSH) and local COSH groups in
California, New England, the Northeast, the
Midwest and the South, can be a valuable
resource. COSH organizations around the U.S. are
committed to promoting worker health and safety
through training, education, and advocacy.

09.2014

NOTES:

For additional information on OTI

Education Centers, see
http://www.osha.gov/
dte/edcenters/index.html

For additional information on COSH

groups, see:
http://www.coshnetwork.org/

Page 30

Topic 6 Sources of Help & Filing a Complaint

C. How to file an OSHA complaint

If you, your co-workers and/or your union
representative determine that an OSHA inspection is
needed to get workplace hazards corrected, you have
several options.

You can download the complaint form from

OSHAs website, complete it and mail or fax it
to OSHA. A written, signed complaint submitted
to the OSHA area or State Plan office is most
likely to result in an onsite inspection.
You can file a complaint online. However, most
online complaints are handled by OSHAs
phone/fax system, which means they are
resolved informally over the phone.
You can telephone or visit your local regional or
area office to discuss your concerns. After the
discussion, OSHA staff can give or send you a
complaint form if you wish to file.
Note that if a hazard is life-threatening, call the
Regional or local office or 1-800-321-OSHA
immediately.

NOTES:
A representative can also be an
attorney or any person acting in a
bona fide representative capacity,
such as clergy, social workers,
spouses, government officials and
nonprofit groups.
Refer to Handout #7:
Identifying Safety and Health
Problems in the Workplace

The complaint will be evaluated by

OSHA to determine if an
inspection will be conducted. For
OSHA to conduct an inspection
there must be reasonable grounds
to believe that a violation of the
OSH Act or an OSHA standard
exists.

Completing the complaint form

Highlight the following about the complaint form prior
to the Small Group Activity:
Be specific and include appropriate details: The
information on the complaint form may be the only
description of the hazard that the inspector will see
before the inspection. The inspector will base his or
her research and planning on this information.
Establishment Name, Address, & Type of
Business: Be thorough and specific. The
inspectors research on the company and the
industrys hazards will be based on this
information.

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Topic 6 Sources of Help & Filing a Complaint

NOTES:
Hazard Description/Location: The hazard
description is the most important part of the form.
Your answer should explain the hazards clearly. If
your complaint is about chemicals, identify them
whenever possible and attach copies of labels or
SDSs if you can. Identify the location so the
inspector will know where to look.
Has this condition been brought to the attention of
the employer or another government agency? You
should indicate on the form if you have tried to get
the employer to fix the hazard before filing the
complaint. Also, if another agency, such as a local
fire or building department, has been notified of
these hazards, OSHA may want to consult with
them.
Do NOT reveal my name: OSHA will keep your
name off the complaint, if you wish. Remember that
discrimination for health and safety activity is
illegal. If you are a union representative, you may
wish to have your name on the complaint.
Signature and address: It is important to sign the
complaint if you want OSHA to conduct an onsite
inspection. Also, your address will allow OSHA to
send copies of inspection related materials to you.

Small Group Activity

Filing an OSHA Complaint
Have the students break into groups of 3-5 people.
1. Refer to the Complaint form handouts which
include the form, tips for completing the form,
and complaint scenarios.
2. Have the class discuss the complaint scenario
in their groups.
3. Ask each group to determine what information
would be important to put on the complaint form
and if any additional information is needed. Use
the complaint scenario answers as a reference.
4. After a few minutes, bring class back together.
5. Ask for volunteers to share the information their
groups decided was important and what other
information should be added.
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Refer to Handout #8a, #8b, or

#8c Filing an OSHA Complaint:
Use #8a for General Industry; Use
#8b for Construction; Use #8c for
Maritime Industry
Explain to the students the
handout consists of tips on
completing the form, the scenario
specific to their industry, and the
OSHA-7 Complaint form.
Sum up the activity by stressing
that it is important to be specific
and accurate when completing an
OSHA complaint, as this is the
information the CSHO will use to
research, plan and begin the
investigation.

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Topic 6 Sources of Help & Filing a Complaint

Questions for Review

1. What are some resources inside the workplace
that will help you find information on safety and
health issues?
2. What are some resources outside the
workplace that will help you find information on
safety and health issues?

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NOTES:

Answers:
1. Co-workers, union rep,
supervisor, SDS, labels,
manuals, etc.
2. OSHA, NIOSH, Educational
Centers, Community
Organizations, etc.

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Introduction to OSHA Lesson Summary

Lesson Summary
During this lesson, you have been introduced to basic
information about your safety and health at work. We
have covered:

The importance of OSHA, including the history of

safety and health regulation leading to the creation
of OSHA and OSHAs mission;
Worker rights under OSHA;
Employer responsibilities;
OSHA standards;
OSHA inspections; and
Safety and health resources, including how to file a
complaint.

Conduct and Review Test

NOTES:

Ask the class if there is any

material that needs to be
covered in more detail.

Thank everyone for their

participation.

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Introduction to OSHA References

References:

OSHA website and publications

The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR); SMART MARK the
Sign of a Smarter Workplace, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD
20910
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) National HAZMAT training
material
The Labor Occupational Health Program of the University of California booklets and
guidance
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) curriculum
clearinghouse products
The National Safety Education Center
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) worker training
materials
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) training materials

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Introduction to OSHA References

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