Your rights and staying safe in the workplace
You probably know that you have many rights as a California worker, including the right to a reasonable expectation of safety in the workplace. Employers have to provide certain things to employees in order to prevent accidents and allow workers to do their job as safely as possible. It may be in your interests to learn about all of the rights available to you.
You have rights as a worker that help keep you safe. When you experience a violation of these rights, it is not just an inconvenience; it can be a threat to your personal safety and well-being. You may want to learn more about what you can expect, how to protect your interests and what to do in the event of a workplace accident.
Do you know your rights?
Knowing your rights is the first step in protecting them. Federal laws state that you have the right to safety in the workplace, even if you work in an industry that requires manual labor or other potential risks, such as manufacturing or construction. Some of your rights include:
- Safety training and job training in a language that you can understand clearly
- Protection from toxic materials that may be present where you are working
- Working with tools and machines that are safe and receive regular maintenance
- Access to safety gear for certain tasks as well as training on how to use the safety gear
- Ability to report unsafe conditions or other problems without fear that your employer may retaliate against you
