Right-to-know laws are state laws that expand upon federal laws requiring employers to inform employees about hazardous substances that they may encounter in the workplace. Federal laws overseen by the OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) provide the primary rules regarding workplace safety. Approximately 30 states have passed additional right-to-know laws. Cynthia Lyle Fisher, Schoenfeldt, and James Shaw cite typical features in state right-to-know laws, including the following.
1. Employers have an obligation to post on bulletin boards in the work area and the employees have a right to request information about toxic substances in the work area. And these notices commonly require the employer to state that no reprisals will be taken against employees who exercise their right to request information.
2. Employers have an obligation in some states to inform prospective and current employees of reproductive hazards, including whether radioactive materials are used in the workplace.
3. Employers have an obligation in some states to label containers of toxic substances.
4. In some states, employers must conduct training programs for employees, which inform employees of the properties of the toxic substances in the workplace, train employees concerning the safe handling of the substances, and instruct employees on emergency treatment for overexposure to the substances.