South Carolina OSHA ? Health and Safety Protection on the Job Law

August 1st, 2004 Posted by Nicole

During my research into various OSHA practices, I found that in South Carolina, the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Act mandates that the State is responsible for the enforcement of occupational safety and health standards in all workplaces, whether those workplaces are public or private. There are some exceptions to this rule, though. For example, if a business is in the practice of long shoring, shipbuilding, ship repairing and ship breaking, which are businesses that fall under Federal jurisdiction.

When it comes to the responsibility of the employer, the South Carolina law states that the employer shall furnish his employees with employment and a place of employment that are safe, free from recognized hazards and that the employer shall comply with occupational safety and health standards as stated by the Director.

The employees also have responsibility for their own health and safety while in the workplace. Under the terms of the law, employees must comply to all of the health and safety health standards and rules, regulations and orders that are issued by the Director of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

If any employee has reason to believe that his or her place of employment is not compliant with the OSHA standards, then that employee can request and inspection of the workplace. To make things easier, the employee can file an imminent danger complaint with the office via telephone, however, all other complaints about working conditions must be made in writing on an official complaint form.

If there is an inspection of a work environment, an authorized agent will accompany an employee of the company for the walk-around. The employee must not be penalized by the employer for either requesting the walk-around or for accompanying the inspector on the walk-around. No loss of wages or other benefits should result from a report when an employee requests an inspection.

No Comments >> Posted in Employment Laws,Labor and Employment,South Carolina