Your right to a safe and healthy workplace
Is your job dangerous? It shouldn't be!
You do not have to work in unsafe conditions at your Iowa job.
Your employer has the legal obligation to provide you with a workplace free from employment hazards that can cause you serious harm. If you work for a farm, these rights might not apply to you.
Your rights include:
- the right to notify the Division of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Bureau and request an
investigation if you believe that unsafe and unhealthful conditions exist at your workplace;
- the right to have the Division investigate and enforce the correction of recognized hazards likely to cause an injury;
- a right to be educated about any hazardous chemicals in your workplace, including information on how to recognize them, what illnesses they might cause, and how to handle them;
- the right to review all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) from management for materials you suspect may be hazardous;
- the right to see and have a copy of your individual medical records;
- the right to refuse to do a job that is unusually dangerous - above the dangers normal for the job; and
- you may not be discharged or discriminated against in any way for filing safety and health complaints or otherwise exercising your rights under Iowa's safety and health law.
If you have questions about a dangerous substance or condition at your workplace, cal IOSHA and ask about it. There are many laws that are aimed at protecting workers from specific hazards.
If you believe your rights have been violated:
- talk to your union steward and file a grievance (if you have a union) or
- file a complaint with the Iowa Division of Labor within 30 days.
If you believe your workplace is dangerous or has hazards that need to be corrected:
- notify the Division of Labor and request an investigation of your workplace. If you request confidentiality, information that reveals your identity will not be provided to the employer!
Remember no one should have to risk their life for a job!
For more information:
Iowa Division of Labor
Iowa Workforce Development
1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0209
Telephone (515) 281-3606
Web site: www.iowaworkforce.org/labor/
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