Times are uncertain, currently, with the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a society in an instant, our daily lifestyles changed overnight to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has been asked to work from home, not travel, and children’s schooling has moved to virtual classes. While being asked to limit visits to the grocery stores and stay 6-feet apart from one another. Heading into work during this pandemic can be scary for employees and they want to make sure their health and safety are being made a priority by their employers. During, this time employers are being reminded to not retaliate against whistleblowers especially if they feel their health and safety is being put into danger on the job.
Did you know, workers, that are asked to go to work have a right under federal law, to a safe workplace. Since 1970 OSHA has asked employers to follow the Workers’ Right Act. Recently, companies are also being asked to abide by new orders most states have enacted for their employee’s protection. At proActive we want everyone to remember employees have rights while at work and employees should feel their health and safety are being looked after by their employers. Let’s review some of these rights:
- Be provided required safety gear, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls
- Be protected from toxic chemicals
- Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records
These are just a few rights, to learn more about workers’ rights to visit OSHA.gov.
Today, The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a statement to remind employers it is illegal to retaliate against whistleblowers if they have reported unsafe or unhealthful working conditions during the current coronavirus pandemic. The release states employees should first address their issues and concerns with their employers. If the worker feels, the employer has retaliated against them for exercising their rights under the whistleblower protection law, they should file a whistleblower complaint online with OSHA or call 1-800-321-OSHA.
Our goal is for everyone to feel safe at work and during this pandemic. To learn more about COVID-19 please visit the CDC or WHO. To learn more facts about Whistleblowers Rights visit OSHA.gov.
Related Articles:
Guide On Workplace Harassment And What To Do
