{"id":357941,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/workplace-safety\/workplace-exposure.html"},"modified":"2024-09-11T17:05:22","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T22:05:22","slug":"workplace-exposure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/workplace-exposure.html","title":{"rendered":"Workplace Exposure and Legal Protections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Workplace Exposure and Legal Protections<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Millions of workers across the United States face potential workplace hazards yearly. In 2022, private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. This is a 7.5 percent increase from the previous year<\/a>. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a rise in injuries and illnesses<\/a> accounted for the increase.<\/p>\r\n

These statistics show the importance of understanding workplace hazards and the legal protections to safeguard workers. A group of laws protect workers and require that employers provide a safe workplace and protective gear. Whether you work at a construction site or a seemingly safe office, understanding occupational risks and the laws that mitigate them is crucial.<\/p>\r\n

This guide aims to educate workers about common workplace hazards, the relevant safety laws, and the steps to protect yourself on the job.<\/p>\r\n

FindLaw’s Workplace Exposure section covers the various kinds of hazards that may be in your workplace, such as tobacco smoke or asbestos. We’ll also summarize your rights and tips for workplace protection.<\/p>\r\n

What Is an Occupational Hazard?<\/h3>\r\n

Occupational hazards are risks or conditions in a workplace that could harm employees. They can vary widely depending on the work type, environment, and specific activities.<\/p>\r\n

There are several types of occupational hazards:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Physical hazards. <\/b>Physical hazards are environmental factors that can cause harm without touching a person. These include noise, radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.<\/li>\r\n
  2. Chemical hazards. <\/b>Chemical hazards involve exposure to harmful substances that can cause health problems. Examples include asbestos, lead, and solvents.<\/li>\r\n
  3. Biological hazards.<\/b> Biological hazards are organic substances that pose a health threat, such as mold.<\/li>\r\n
  4. Ergonomic hazards. <\/b>Ergonomic hazards happen when the type of work, body positions, and working conditions strain the body. Examples include repetitive strain injuries.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    Employers must conduct risk assessments and implement measures to lower these risks.<\/p>\r\n

    Workplace Exposure Laws<\/h2>\r\n

    Workplace safety law includes federal and state regulations imposed on businesses to keep employees safe from harm. These rules apply to nearly all private-sector employers. Standards are in place to reduce the risk of accidents and illnesses in the workplace. Government agencies can investigate violations and issue citations for noncompliance.<\/p>\r\n

    Employee Rights under the OSH Act<\/h2>\r\n

    The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970<\/a> (OSH Act) is the primary federal law governing workplace safety and health standards in the United States. The OSH Act gives certain employee rights. In general, your employer must tell you about the safety hazards in the workplace and give training on how to avoid the hazards. You also have a right to information about the applicable health and safety laws.<\/p>\r\n

    The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is an OSHA standard that requires employers to inform and train employees about the hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to at work. It mandates that chemical manufacturers and importers evaluate and communicate the hazards of their products through labels and safety data sheets.<\/p>\r\n

    Usually, information about exposure to toxins is in Safety Data Sheets<\/a>. The SDS contains such details as:<\/p>\r\n