Advertisements suggesting that OSHA workplace posters must be purchased from private companies to avoid fines may be misleading employers.
OSHA is reminding employers that its official posters are available free for the asking.
The official OSHA poster was redesigned last year to make it easier to read and understand.
The new poster, called "It''s the Law!" is available in English and Spanish.
Employers need not replace older posters with new ones, if they prefer to use them, according to OSHA. Employers are required to display one of the two posters, however, in a prominent location.
The OSHA poster informs workers of their rights to a safe and healthful workplace, how to file a complaint, report an emergency, and seek OSHA advice, and advises them of their right to confidentiality.
It also lists the toll free number for OSHA, (800) 321-OSHA, as well as phone numbers for regional agency offices around the country.
For a copy of OSHA''s poster, visit OSHA''s Web site at www.osha.gove/oshpubs/poster.html.
For the Spanish version, see www.osha.gov/oshpubs/poster2.html.
Employers in states operating OSHA-approved state plans should obtain and post the state''s equivalent poster if there is one.
by Virginia Sutcliffe