Final answer:
The correct process for reporting workplace incidents, including near misses, occupational illness, or work refusals, is to follow established reporting protocols. This ensures the worker's rights are protected and helps in maintaining workplace safety. Reporting should be detailed and not done anonymously, to facilitate proper investigation and resolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Established Reporting Protocols for Workplace Incidents
The process to follow for reporting incidents, including near misses, occupational illness, or work refusals, is to follow established reporting protocols (option c). It is not advisable to have no formal reporting procedure or to report only serious incidents, as even minor incidents or near misses can provide valuable lessons and help prevent future accidents. Moreover, anonymity could hinder the resolution and investigation process. Workers' rights under the law include the abilities to work under safe conditions, file complaints, receive information about hazards and applicable OSHA standards, obtain copies of medical records, and participate in OSHA inspections without fear of retaliation or discrimination. Reporting incidents properly ensures these rights are upheld and helps maintain a safe working environment.
It is crucial for workers to:
- Be aware of the specific reporting procedures in their workplace.
- Report any incident as specified by these procedures, whether serious or not.
- Understand that they have the right to report without facing discrimination or retaliation.
Employers are obligated to provide training on these protocols in a language and manner understandable to their employees, and to not retaliate against any worker exercising their rights to report workplace incidents or when acting as a whistleblower under OSHA jurisdiction.