Department of Labour summarises workers rights

DOL is Here to Help

Exercising your rights begins with knowing who to contact if you have a concern. DOL agencies are here to help with questions about safety and health, and fair pay, regardless of your immigration status.

• Workers have the right to be safe and healthy on the job. OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) protect this right by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
• Workers have the right to be paid properly for all hours worked. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the nation’s workforce.

Whistleblower Protections

Workers have the right to report workplace violations without fear of retaliation. OSHA’s’ Whistleblower Protection Program (WPP) enforces more than 20 whistleblower statutes ranging from workplace safety and health to securities fraud.

It’s the Law!

Employers are required to display certain posters informing workers of their rights to safe workplaces and proper pay. These posters are free, available in multiple languages, and may be downloaded online.

When to File a Complaint

If you believe your workplace rights are being violated, file a complaint with OSHA, MSHA or WHD. You can also file a complaint with WPP if you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting unsafe conditions or other violations of federal law.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about resources and programs to help protect your rights as a worker, you can find and contact your local agency office online:

• OSHA/WPP
• WHD
• MSHA

Find Out About an Employer, Job, or Industry

You can learn about an employer’s inspection history through OSHA’s establishment search. You can also search OSHA’s database of workplace injuries and illnesses or visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics for information about an industry.