Translate- Safety and Health Topics
- /
- Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste
Overview
This page provides a comprehensive guide to information regarding hazardous waste operations. It briefly covers emergency response for hazardous waste sites. For additional information on response to releases of hazardous substances, see OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Safety and Health Topics page and the Emergency Preparedness and Response main page.
Standards
Hazardous waste is addressed in specific OSHA standards for General Industry and Construction.
More
Hazard Recognition
Provides references that may aid in recognizing hazards at a waste site.
More
Evaluating Exposure
Provides references that may aid in evaluating hazards at a waste site.
More
Control and Prevention
Provides control and prevention information for hazards at a waste site.
More
Additional Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to hazardous waste.
More
Workers' Rights
Workers have the right to:
- Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.
- Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary the worker understands) about workplace hazards, methods to prevent them, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.
- Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA's rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.
- Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, including reporting an injury or raising health and safety concerns with their employer or OSHA. If a worker has been retaliated against for using their rights, they must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days.
For additional information, see OSHA's Workers page.
How to Contact OSHA
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.
Highlights
- Transitioning to Safer Chemicals: A Toolkit for Employers and Workers. OSHA, (2013). OSHA has developed this step-by-step toolkit to provide employers and workers with information, methods, tools, and guidance on using informed substitution in the workplace.