Section 31-379-1 - Introduction(a) The Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 (Chapter 571, Section 31-367 through 31-385 ), hereinafter referred to as the Act, is a state statute of general application designed to regulate employment conditions relating to occupational safety and health and to achieve safer and healthier workplaces throughout the State. By terms of the Act, every person engaged in a business who has employees is required to furnish each of his employees employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm, and, further to comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under the Act.(b) The Act provides, among other things, for the adoption of occupational safety and health standards, research and development activities, inspections and investigations of workplaces, and recordkeeping requirements. Enforcement procedures initiated by the Department of Labor, review proceedings before an independent quasi-judicial agency (the Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission), and express judicial review are provided by the Act.(c) Employees and representatives of employees are afforded a wide range of substantive and procedural rights under the Act. Moreover, effective implementation of the Act and achievement of its goals depend in large part upon the active but orderly participation of employees, individually and through their representatives, at every level of safety and health activity.(d) This part deals essentially with the rights of employees afforded under section 31-379 of the Act. Section 31-379 of the Act prohibits reprisals, in any form, against employees who exercise rights under the Act.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 31-379-1
Effective September 30, 1976