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OSHA publishes guide to restroom access for transgender workers

Codes and Standards

OSHA publishes guide to restroom access for transgender workers

The guide advises employers to allow employees to use restrooms that correspond to their gender identity.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | June 4, 2015
OSHA publishes guide to restroom access for transgender workers

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration published a “Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers.”

It advises employers on best practices regarding restroom access for transgender workers. The guide was developed at the request of the National Center for Transgender Equality, an OSHA Alliance partner.

"The core principle is that all employees, including transgender employees, should have access to restrooms that correspond to their gender identity," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. For example, a person who identifies as a man should be permitted to use men's restrooms, and a person who identifies as a woman should be permitted to use women's restrooms.

The publication includes a description of best practices, and also makes employers aware of federal, state, and local laws.

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