What You Can Do About Dangerous Work Conditions

As an employee, you’re entitled to a safe working environment. It’s your employer’s job to prevent dangerous work conditions, provide you and your coworkers with the right protective equipment you need, and train employees about the hazards they may encounter on the job.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) inspects and investigates workplaces to ensure that employers stay on top of things.

Common dangerous work conditions identified by OSHA

Fall Dangers

Falls are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the workplace. Employers are responsible for installing guard rails, toe-boards, and any other safety net necessary to keep employees from getting hurt.

Face hazards

OSHA records thousands of blinding injuries sustained by employees every year, often cause by chemical exposure, environmental debris, or mechanical hazards. The worst part is that a majority of these types of injuries could have been prevented had the employees been given the proper eye and face protection by their employers.

Respiratory Risks

Dust, smoke, and vapors are threatening to the health of workers. OSHA requires employers to provide the right respirators in environments where these threats are found.

What can you do about about dangerous work conditions?

If you find yourself in a workplace where you feel your health and safety are being compromised or you feel your employer isn’t following OSHA standards, you have the right to contact OSHA. OSHA keeps all complaints confidential and it’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for standing up for the right to have a safe work environment.

There are 3 ways you can contact OSHA about dangerous work conditions

• Submit a form online
• Download, fill out, an mail in a complaint form (It’s important to note that written complaints typically result in an on-site inspection of your workplace.)
• Call your regional or area OSHA office to discuss you complaint with an OSHA representative

If you have questions regarding your workplace safety, please contact The Clardy Law Firm for more information.