OSHA & Texas | What you need to know as a employee
Important OSHA information for Texas workers
Learn about important OSHA rules and what to do if your workplace is unsafe of if you have been injured at work.
What does OSHA stand for?
First of all, OSHA is an acronym for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They are a federal agency tasked with regulating worker safety and health in US workplaces. Yes, even the state of Texas is regulated by OSHA.
What incidents must be reported to OSHA?
These incidents must be reported to OSHA by all businesses in Texas.
- Within 24 hours of work related incident
- Loss of eye
- Amputation
- Hospitalization
- Within 8 hours
- fatality/death
All employers in Texas are required to follow this reporting rule (severe injury/illness reporting), even if they are not required to maintain a illness or injury log.
What is considered an injury?
1904.5(a) Basic Requirement.
An injury or illness is considered work related if an event or exposure occurs that ‘causes or contributes’ to the resulting condition. Or, a severe aggravation of a pre-existing injury/illness.
How to report incidents to OSHA (injured employee)
If you are an employee who has been injured at work you can contact OSHA by the following:
Call OSHA: 800-321-6742 (OSHA)
How to report incidents to OSHA (business owner)
Call the OSHA hotline: 1-800-321-6742 (OSHA).
File ‘Employers first report of injury or illness’ TDI/DWC form-001 with insurance carrier, within 8 days.
Provide a copy of the completed form to the injured employee.
How to file a complaint or report a safety violation with OSHA
Call the OSHA hotline: 1-800-321-6742 (OSHA).
Does my company have to keep an OSHA record?
In general a business in Texas is required to keep a OSHA record of illness and injuries if they have 10 or more employees and/or are on the required industries list. Other industries are exempt by default.
What are your rights as an employee under OSHA?
Any worker in Texas covered by OSHA has the following rights at the workplace:
- Work in a hazard free workplace
- Have the right to speak up about hazards or dangerous working conditions without fear of retaliation
- Receive the proper personal protective equipment for the job
- Receive the proper training for your job
- File a confidential complaint with OSHA
- Request an OSHA inspection and speak to an OSHA inspector
- Report an injury and receive copies of your medical records
What to do if you are punished for making an OSHA complaint?
If your supervisor, or company fires you, demotes you or otherwise 'punishes' you for reporting a safety violation or injury you have protections under OSHA.
This is known as retaliation and you have protections. If you think this has happened to you, file a 'whistleblower' complaint.
Learn how to file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA.
What types of injuries are not covered by OSHA?
- Injured while intoxicated
- Attempting to injure yourself on purpose
- You are injured by someone who is not part of the company for personal reasons
- Horseplay
- Injury by an act of God
- You are injured while at a voluntary, off work social or recreational event that is not part of your job responsibility.
Have you been injured at work in Texas?
Purchase the guidebook today and learn your rights as an injured employee, OSHA rules in Texas and how to navigate the workers compensation system.
