Final answer:
Employees have the right to be informed about workplace hazards under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and OSHA, which require employers to provide training and information on potential dangers, and allow workers to file complaints and request safety inspections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) entitles employees to essential information about the hazards in their workplace. Employees have the right to know about the potential dangers they face, which is an integral part of maintaining a safe working environment. Under this standard, employers are obligated to inform their workers about chemical hazards through training, labels, alarms, color-coded systems, chemical information sheets, and other methods. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) reinforces these rights by requiring employers to offer working conditions free from serious risks and providing workers the ability to file complaints or request investigations into workplace safety concerns.
Moreover, OSHA mandates that employers must attempt to eliminate or minimize hazards by implementing safer working conditions before relying solely on personal protective equipment. If employees believe that there is a violation of OSHA standards or a serious hazard, they have the right to file a confidential complaint for an inspection. These regulations ensure that employees are well-informed and can participate proactively in their own safety measures at the workplace.