Publication by employers of list of hazardous chemicals in workplace

On and after July 1, 1989, each employer shall publish in print or electronically in January and July of each year a list of hazardous chemicals that its employees use or are exposed to in the workplace. Such list shall be available for public inspection at the workplace office. A comprehensive list of all hazardous chemicals used by the employer shall also be available for public inspection at the employer’s state headquarters. (Code 1981, § 45-22-9, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 1778, § 1; Ga. L. 1991, p. 1304, § 11; Ga. L. 2010, p. 838, § 10/SB 388.) 45-22-10. Unlawful discharge, disciplining, or discrimination against employees. (a) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged or otherwise discipline or in any manner discriminate against any employee for any of the following reasons: (1) The employee has requested information regarding hazardous chemicals, filed any complaint or action, or has instituted, or caused to be instituted, any proceeding under this chapter; (2) The employee has testified or is about to testify in any proceeding in his own behalf or on behalf of others; or (3) The employee has exercised any other right afforded pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (b) No pay, position, seniority, or other benefits shall be lost for exercise of any right provided by this chapter. (Code 1981, § 45-22-10, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 1778, § 1.) 45-22-11. Filing of employee grievances; termination of contract by employer for violation of Code Section 45-22-4; ability of employers to dismiss or discipline employees; judicial review of grievances. (a) In order to enforce the provisions of this chapter, any employee adversely affected by a violation of this chapter by that employee’s employer may file a grievance in accordance with the employer’s established grievance procedures. Appointing authorities shall pursue all complaints concerning occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals. (b) Upon any violation of Code Section 45-22-4 by a contractor, the employer under agreement with such contractor shall have the right to terminate the contract without liability. 659 45-22-11 PUBLIC OFFICERS & EMPLOYEES 45-22-12 (c) Nothing in this chapter shall change or modify the right or ability of employers to dismiss or discipline employees in accordance with the laws of this state. (d) Any employee dissatisfied with a final decision of an appointing authority with regard to a grievance filed pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall be entitled to judicial review in the same manner as provided for judicial review of contested cases in Chapter 13 of Title 50, the ‘‘Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.’’ (Code 1981, § 45-22-11, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 1778, § 1; Ga. L. 1991, p. 1304, § 12; Ga. L. 2015, p. 911, § 6/HB 278.) The 2015 amendment, effective January 1, 2016, in subsection (a), deleted the former last sentence, which read: ‘‘Employees dissatisfied with a final decision of an appointing authority may file a grievance with the Commissioner.’’; and, in subsection (d), substituted ‘‘dissatisfied with a final decision of an appointing authority with regard’’ for ‘‘adversely affected by a final decision of the Commissioner’’. 45-22-12. Sovereign immunity.