Are there laws to protect me from unsafe working conditions?

Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") protects most private sector workers and federal employees from unsafe working conditions. A similar law in Illinois provides protections for employees of state and local government.

You have the right to a workplace without known health and safety hazards. You also have the right to speak up about workplace dangers without retaliation. 

You also have the right to:

• Receive information and training on job hazards in a language you understand, including information about hazardous substances in your workplace,
• Work on machines that are safe,
• Receive necessary safety gear, including protection from toxic chemicals,
• Ask the government to inspect your workplace and speak to a government inspector,
• Report injuries and illnesses, and
• View records of injuries, illnesses, and hazards in your workplace.

Examples of safety protections your employer must provide are:  

• Fall protection, such as safety harnesses and a lifeline,
• Protection from high levels of noise that can damage hearing,
• Guards on machines,
• Safety protections on needles and sharp instruments that healthcare workers use to prevent punctures or cuts,
• Protection from exposure to harmful levels of substances like asbestos and lead, and
• Protective equipment (usually) free of charge, such as respirators, goggles, earplugs, or gloves.

There is more information about safety standards in agriculture, construction, healthcare, and other work areas on OSHA’s web page. You can also read OSHA's Covid Guidelines and Recommendations.

What do I do if there is something dangerous in my workplace?

Where possible, you should first report the condition to your employer.  If your employer does not fix the unsafe condition, you can file a complaint with OSHA.

If you file a complaint, you can ask that your name not is revealed to your employer. You can also have someone else file a complaint on your behalfs, such as a labor organization, an attorney, or anyone else acting as a representative, including members of the clergy, social workers, or family members. 

Generally, you cannot walk off the job because of unsafe conditions. However, you can refuse to work if all three of the below conditions are met:

• You are exposed to a hazard that clearly presents a risk of death or serious injury;
• There is not enough time for OSHA to inspect; and
• You first brought the hazard to the attention of your employer (where possible).   

The law protects you from retaliation, such as firing or demotion, for reporting unsafe conditions or filing a complaint. If you are retaliated against, you can file a whistleblower complaint. In most cases, you have 30 days from the date of the retaliation to file the complaint.