Who enforces the Worker and Community Right to Know (RTK) Act?
There are three state agencies that work together to implement the RTK Act:
All employers covered by the Act must complete surveys listing the names and quantities of hazardous chemicals stored and used at their facilities.
The Right to Know Surveys from public employers are sent to the NJDOH, while Community Right to Know Surveys from private employers are sent to the NJDEP. Copies of both surveys are sent to local fire and police departments, designated RTK County Lead Agencies, local health departments, and local emergency planning committees.
Public employers are required to establish and maintain a RTK Central File at each facility. The RTK Central File must include a copy of the facility's RTK Survey, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), NJDOH Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets, and a copy of the RTK Hazardous Substance List.
Public employers must also label containers with the chemical name and Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number of the containers' ingredients and post the RTK Poster.
Private employers covered under the RTK Act must label containers with the chemical name and CAS number of the containers' ingredients.
How does the Act help to protect public health?
Under the RTK Act, you can get information about hazardous substances that may be harmful to you or your family. These substances may be present in your workplace or at facilities in your community, or may be released into the environment. Exposure to hazardous substances has been linked to health effects including cancer, birth defects, heart, lung, and kidney diseases. Health effects may develop without prior symptoms, years after exposure. Awareness about hazardous substances and their health effects can help with proper diagnosis and treatment. More importantly, awareness about hazardous substances and potential exposure can help you make important decisions about employment and lifestyle.
What are the workplace rights of New Jersey public employees?
Public employees have certain rights and access to information about substances with which they work. With this information, workers learn of job-related health risks and ways to minimize their exposure.
The rights of a public employee include: