No matter where you work, your employer is obligated to provide a safe work environment. What constitutes “safe” may be different for everyone, but there are laws in place that outlines what employers need to do in order to provide a safe environment for employees. Below, you’ll find a few of the most common signs of an unsafe work environment. If any of these are missing and you end up injured, you could have a substantial personal injury claim.
1. No Safety Training
Some work environments are naturally safer than others. For example, if you work in an office environment, there are far fewer risks than a manufacturing plan. If your job is in any way hazardous, your employer should provide you (and all other employees) with proper safety training. This can include training on how to use machines properly, how personal protection equipment should be used, and much more.
2. Hostile Work Environment
When most people think about an unsafe work environment they think about getting hurt on the job due to a wet floor, a faulty machine, or other common hazards. One of the most common workplace dangers, however, is from other employees. If you find that you are working in a hostile work environment, there are obvious issues with safety. Hostile work environments can lead to physical fights, emotional or verbal abuse, and many other problems that can be very damaging.
3. OSHA Violations
OSHA is the governmental organization responsible for ensuring workplaces in the United States follow established best practices when it comes to safety. All of the regulations from OSHA can be found online, and employers are legally obligated to follow them. If you notice OSHA violations taking place in your workplace, it is a clear sign that there are safety concerns. If you find that OSHA has fined your employer in the past, that is also going to be a red flag.
4. Excessive Overtime
Most employers will ask their employees to work some overtime to help meet a big order or overcome a major need. This is normal and can even provide employees with the ability to earn some much-needed extra pay. If your employer is demanding that employees are constantly working lots of overtime, that can be a sign of potential danger. Many studies have found that employees who are overworked, over-stressed, and without a healthy work-life balance are more likely to make mistakes that can cause an accident or injury.
5. Missing Personal Protection Equipment
Most workplace hazards can be mitigated by using proper personal protection equipment (PPE). This can include things like helmets, gloves, steel-toed boots, or even a full hazmat suit. In many cases, personal protection equipment is even legally required to be available. If you find that your employer is not providing PPE, it will leave employees at a much greater risk than is necessary.
Protecting Your Right to a Safe Work Environment
If you have been injured at work due to negligence on the part of your employer, you will need to fight for your rights. Our team can help to craft a strong case that can help you to recover the damages necessary to cover your medical costs, make up for lost wages, compensate you for pain and suffering, and more. Please contact us to go over your options today.
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