Which action is explicitly protected under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act?

• A. Complaining to OSHA about job safety hazards
• B. Taking a smoke break during shifts
• C. Asking for a promotion during an inspection
• D. Filing a wage claim with the state

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is about exercising rights to address workplace safety concerns. Section 11(c) of the OSHA Act explicitly protects employees from retaliation for filing safety complaints with OSHA and for participating in OSHA investigations. Complaining to OSHA about job safety hazards is a clear example of exercising those protections, so employers cannot punish or unfairly treat someone for making that complaint.

The other options aren’t protections under this provision. A smoke break is a workplace policy issue, not a protected OSHA activity. Asking for a promotion during an inspection isn’t related to safety rights under the statute. Filing a wage claim with the state falls under wage and hour laws, not OSHA’s protections for safety-related complaints and participation.