$2.$ Ensuring Worker Safety

Skip to question

Ensuring Worker Safety

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of $1970($OSH Act$)$ is the most comprehensive U$.$S$.$ legislation regarding worker safety. Essentially, OSH Act requires that employers create a safe working environment; at the same time, it provides a confidential method for employees to request inspections if they feel that there are unsafe conditions in their workplaces. Occupational Safety and Health Administration $($OSHA$)$ inspections include reviewing employee records, touring premises, interviewing employees, and discussing findings with the employer.

Employers are responsible for protecting workers from safety and health hazards. Employees have responsibilities as well. They have to follow the safety rules and regulations and should report any hazardous conditions.

Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

Isaiah Brown began working for a company in Cleveland that produced acids used to clean industrial equipment. A few weeks after taking the job, Isaiah realized that chemicals in the plant were causing his eyes to burn. Isaiah told his boss about the problem, but the boss said that Isaiah would just have to get used to the chemical fumes that were causing his eye problems. After several weeks, Isaiah decided to take his concerns to a local environmental group that reported it to the U$.$S$.$ Environmental Protection Agency. A month later, Isaiah lost his job.

$2$a$.$ What should Isaiah have done when communicating his eye issues to his boss?

What should Isaiah have done when communicating his eye issues to his boss?