Introduction

The Basics

Operating the Union

Contract Administration

Organizing

Building Trades and
Other Organizations

Labor Law

Politics and Government

Useful Information

Education

References

Home

Right to Know About Hazards

Requests for Information
Archived Web File: Sample letters

Additional Sample Letters

External Web Link: http://www.teamster.org/sh/letters.htm
Model Letter On Smallpox Vaccinations (PDF file)

Records on previous inspections
OSHA inspection records are available on the web.
Click here for Establishment Inspection Searches (Archived Web File)

Reporting accidents and fatalities is required.

	Death or hospitalization of 4 or more workers
	Includes names; time and place; equipment; nature of injuries
	Employers with 10 or more workers must keep records of injuries and illnesses that have caused death or days off work and must post report.

Requesting case files and company histories
Worksite inspections by unions (Archived Web File)
Required Forms (PDF file)
OSHA Log (Excel spreadsheet)

The right to refuse work

The OSHA advisory on imminent danger (Archived Web File) states that the right to refuse to perform work is limited.

A refusal is protected activity under OSHA if:

	The employer ignored a request to eliminate the hazard.
	The hazard poses an immediate danger.
	The worker has a reasonable belief that the unsafe condition poses a threat.

If the collective bargaining agreement has a no strike clause, section 502 of Taft Hartley authorizes a refusal if:

	The unsafe condition is abnormally dangerous, not a routine hazard.
	The worker’s good faith belief is supported by reasonably ascertainable evidence.
	The action is motivated by fear, not something planned in advance.

Report on health and safety issues for women in construction (PDF file)