Right to Know

What It Means

The "Right to Know" refers broadly to workers' legal rights to information about workplace hazards, rooted primarily in OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) but extending to several other provisions of the OSH Act. Under these rights, workers are entitled to: know what hazardous chemicals are present in their workplace and receive training on safe handling; access Safety Data Sheets for every hazardous chemical; view the employer's OSHA 300 Log of workplace injuries and illnesses; receive copies of any OSHA citations issued to their employer; request an OSHA inspection if they believe hazards exist; speak privately with OSHA inspectors during workplace inspections; access their own medical records and exposure monitoring results under 29 CFR 1910.1020; and receive information about applicable OSHA standards and safety requirements. Many states have enacted their own Right to Know laws that may provide additional protections beyond federal requirements. Community Right to Know laws (such as EPCRA — the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act) extend hazardous chemical information requirements to communities surrounding industrial facilities. Employers must post OSHA's official workplace rights poster (OSHA 3165) in a prominent location.

Frequently Asked Questions