Empowering Workers: The Importance of Worker’s Rights Week

Worker’s Rights Week is an annual observance during the last week of August. It is a critical time to focus on the rights and protections available to workers across all industries, with a significant emphasis on those in construction. This industry is characterized by its high-risk environments, where workers are often exposed to physical hazards, strenuous tasks, and sometimes unsafe working conditions. This week serves as a reminder that these workers deserve fair wages, reasonable working hours, as well as a safe environment to perform their jobs.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a central role during Worker’s Rights Week by providing extensive resources for employees and employers. OSHA aims to ensure safe working conditions through standards enforcement and training. For employees in the construction sector, OSHA offers detailed information on their rights, including the right to a safe workplace, the right to receive training in a language they understand, and the right to report workplace injuries or unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

For example, OSHA provides a Worker's Rights page that outlines entitlements such as the right to review records of work-related injuries and illnesses, the right to receive copies of test results that measure hazards in the workplace, and the right to ask OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or their employer is not following standards set forth by OSHA. This page is a vital resource for workers who may be unaware of the full extent of their rights or unsure how to exercise them.

Employers, too, have access to a wealth of resources provided by OSHA to help them maintain compliance with safety regulations. OSHA’s Employer Responsibilities page details the obligations of employers to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards, to comply with OSHA standards, and to ensure employees have and use safe tools and equipment. OSHA requires employers to post citations, injury and illness data, and the OSHA poster in a prominent location where employees can see them.

When workers believe their rights are being violated, it is crucial to take action promptly. The first step is to document the issue thoroughly—this includes taking note of unsafe conditions, recording dates and times of incidents, and collecting any other relevant evidence. Workers should then attempt to resolve the issue by reporting it to their employer or safety manager. Many employers will address concerns if they are brought to their attention early.

If the employer fails to take appropriate action or if the issue is not resolved, workers have the right to file a complaint with OSHA. Complaints can be filed online, by fax, mail, or telephone, and OSHA provides the option to file anonymously to protect the worker’s identity. Once a complaint is filed, OSHA will investigate to determine whether the employer has violated any safety or health regulations. If violations are found, OSHA can require the employer to correct the hazards and impose fines.

Importantly, OSHA protects workers from retaliation. If an employee is punished for filing a complaint or reporting unsafe conditions—such as being fired, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against—they can file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the retaliatory action.

Worker's Rights Week is a call to action; it empowers workers in the construction industry to assert their rights and ensures that employers understand their responsibilities under the law. By utilizing OSHA’s resources and knowing the steps to take if their rights are compromised, construction workers help create safer job sites and a fairer work environment for everyone.