Final answer:
It is true that employees have the right and responsibility to report potential safety hazards without fear of reprisal. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
As an employee, you indeed have the right and a responsibility to bring concerns about potential safety hazards to the attention of the employer without fear of reprisal. This statement is true. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), employers are required to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and to comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the OSH Act.
Employers must also inform and train employees about chemical hazards, provide access to safety records, and allow employees to exercise their rights without retaliation, such as speaking up about dangers or participating in an OSHA inspection. The OHSA emphasizes the right to know about potential dangers in the workplace, and employers are obligated to provide this information for the safety of their workers.
Historical events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Firestone/Ford tire controversy highlight the serious consequences when safety is not prioritized. They also underscore the importance of worker rights and the necessary protections that have evolved as a result.
Employees should feel empowered to report safety concerns, knowing that their actions are protected by law and contribute to a safer and healthier work environment. Ignoring safety issues can lead to severe financial and reputational consequences for companies, as seen in these historical instances.
Legislation like the OSH Act protects this right, requiring employers to maintain a safe working environment and not retaliate against employees for raising concerns.