Workers’ Rights: Pennsylvania

The laws and regulations established by Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry ensure that workers are compensated fairly, have safe working environments, and that employers are not impeding on employee rights. Some of these laws and regulations – and the agencies that administer them – include, but are not limited to:

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) administers laws assuring that workers are insured against job-related injury, illness or death. The BWC Health and Safety Division enforces health and safety regulations of the Workers’ Compensation Act. The Office of Unemployment Compensation Service Centers develops policies, standards and monitoring systems to ensure the Unemployment Compensation program is operated in accordance with federal and state laws.

PENNSAFE (Pennsylvania Safety First) administers and enforces the Pennsylvania Worker and Community Right to Know Law. This law requires employers to inform employees of potential hazards at their place of work.

The Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety administers and enforces the Uniform Construction Code, Fire and Panic Law, Universal Accessibility Law, Energy Conservation Law, General Safety Law, Boiler Law, Elevator Law, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Law, Flammable & Combustible Liquids Law, Asbestos and Lead Laws, Bedding and Upholstery Law, Stuffed Toy Law and Private Employment Agency Licensing Law. This means that employers are forced to comply with building and maintenance codes that will keep workers and patrons of that building safe from harm or hazard.