As a small business owner in Texas, you have several legal protections regarding workplace safety standards. The primary law governing workplace safety standards is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which is enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Under OSHA, employers are required to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees, and must comply with specific safety standards and regulations. Employers are also required to provide training and education to employees on workplace safety hazards and how to prevent them.
Additionally, Texas has its own occupational safety and health program, which is administered by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation. The program is responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards in Texas, and also provides education and training to employers and employees.
In terms of legal protections, small business owners are protected from retaliation for reporting workplace safety violations or filing complaints with OSHA or the Texas Department of Insurance. Additionally, employees who report safety violations are protected from retaliation.
However, it is important to note that there are some limitations to these protections. For example, employers do not have to provide a hazard-free workplace, but rather must provide a workplace that is reasonably free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious injury or death.
If you believe that your workplace is not complying with safety standards, you should report the violation to OSHA or the Texas Department of Insurance. You may also want to consult with a licensed attorney who can provide legal advice specific to your situation.
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