Workplace injuries are something that everyone wants to avoid. Employers in California take certain steps to help make your workspace safer. Many of the guidelines, regulations and rules about workplace safety are designed and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is a government agency that reviews accidents to help keep everyone safe when they are at work.
Your employer probably has signs and offers other information about safety that comes straight from OSHA. Depending on what type of work environment you have, you may also use safety equipment or have to wear certain items to keep you safe. OSHA also analyzes dangers in the workplace to help find ways to make them less dangerous, even those things that are inherently dangerous, such as explosives.
OSHA also provides programs to help employers teach you about precautions you should take at work. When you were hired, you may have watched videos or attended a seminar or training session that covered safety on the job. This was likely backed by OSHA. Safety training should be ongoing. Every time you work with a new piece of equipment or if you are using new chemicals, for example, you should receive training.
The agency is also there when accidents occur. It investigates to help ensure the accident does not occur again. You can also contact OSHA if you feel something is not right on your job and to report issues that could put your well-being at risk. Plus, OSHA offers you protection against retaliation if you do report your employer for something. This information is for education and is not legal advice.