Right to be Free From Retaliation
Workers have the right to be free from retaliation for exercising safety and health rights called "protected activities."
The employer cannot retaliate for protected activities.
- Workers have a right to seek safety and health on the job without fear of punishment.
- This right is spelled out in Section 11(c) of the OSH Act.
- Workers have 30 days to contact OSHA if they feel they have been punished for exercising their safety and health rights.
Protected activities: You may file a complaint with OSHA if your employer retaliates against you by taking unfavorable personnel action because you engaged in protected activity relating to workplace safety or health. Examples of protected activities include complaints about the following:
- workplace safety and health
- asbestos in schools
- cargo containers
- airlines and commercial motor carrier
- consumer products food safety and environmental issues
- financial reform and health insurance reform, and securities laws
- motor vehicle safety and public transportation
- nuclear, pipeline, railroad, and maritime safety
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-10. How long do you have to contact OSHA if you believe you have been punished for exercising your safety and health rights?
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