Client Alert
July 23, 2015
OSHA Requires Employers to Provide Access to Restrooms to Transgender Employees
The National Center for Transgender Equality requested OSHA to develop a guide to protect restroom access for transgender employees. In response, OSHA now requires all employers under its jurisdiction to accommodate employees based on which gender that employee identifies with. The new guidelines aim to protect the individual safety of transgender employees. According to the new guidelines, Restricting employees to using only restrooms that are not consistent with their gender identity, or segregating them from other workers by requiring them to use gender-neutral or other specific restrooms, singles those employees out and may make them fear for their physical safety. Bathroom restrictions can result in employees avoiding using restrooms entirely while at work, which can lead to potentially serious physical injury or illness.
SESCO recommends that clients review all applicable policy and practices to ensure compliance. For assistance contact us at 423-764-4127 or by email at sesco@sescomgt.com.
