Every job’s first priority should be the safety of their employees. Unfortunately, we know that is not always the case. When you feel your working environment is unsafe, it is very important to raise those concerns to others. Even though it can be difficult to speak up, it is always better to protect yourself and those around you than to suffer an injury on the job.
Unsafe working conditions can come in many different forms. It could be an isolated incident with a dangerous assignment or a common problem with the equipment used for your job. It could be you or your teammates not receiving proper training. It could be not having supervision when you need it. Beyond being the right thing for safety, many of these issues are covered by local, state, and federal laws, as well as industry regulations.
Here are some ways you can report unsafe work environments:
Address Your Concerns Directly
If you feel that you can speak to higher-ups at your job safely about your concerns, start there. It could be an issue of a supervisor not realizing something has gone wrong or being unaware of what their employees need. It could be a situation where management is waiting to see how their employees react before making a decision. If you feel you cannot maintain your personal safety or job security while being honest with your supervisor, then be careful choosing what to do next.
OSHA Worker Protections
In the United States, federal law entitles every employee to a safe workplace and the ability to report any safety concerns without fear of retaliation. These concerns are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA. OSHA lists the following as basic worker’s rights:
- Receive workplace safety and health training in a language you understand
- Work on machines that are safe
- Receive required safety equipment, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls
- Be protected from toxic chemicals
- Request an OSHA inspection and speak to the inspector
- Report an injury or illness and get copies of your medical records
- Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
- See results of tests taken to find workplace hazards
If you feel you are dealing with an unsafe work environment, you can report your concerns directly to OSHA. They will work with you to address your concerns and protect you from retaliation.
Speak To an Attorney
If you have been injured as the result of an unsafe work environment, you deserve the time and resources required to heal and get yourself back to normal. At John M. Totten, P.C., we can help you get what you need. Contact John M. Totten, P.C. today to talk to someone who can help. Good people need good lawyers… so give us a call today!
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