Founder
Regardless of your field of work, you are entitled to a safe workplace. In fact, your employer is required by federal and state law to ensure that your workplace is safe for you and your coworkers. Of course, accidents do happen, but all employers are required to take the steps necessary to minimize their risk. If you feel unsafe at work, there are specific steps you can take to resolve this issue. In this article, we discuss what to do if you feel unsafe at work.
When You Believe Danger is Imminent
If you believe that your current working conditions pose an imminent risk of injury or death, you should report your employer to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In addition, you should file a complaint the relevant state agency. However, to file either a federal or state report against your employer, you should first seek the assistance of an experienced employment law attorney. In addition to filing reports, you have the right to refuse to work under any of the following circumstances:
- You believe that the conditions of your workplace conditions pose a substantial and immediate risk of death or serious injury.
- Your employer knows about the dangerous conditions but is unwilling to fix them.
- Your employer is aware of your concerns but has failed to provide you with a reasonable alternative.
When Danger Isn’t Imminent
If you don’t believe that your working conditions present an imminent danger, but you still have safety concerns, you should raise this issue with your employer directly. Specifically, you should detail your concerns in writing, and your employer should take appropriate action to eliminate the hazard. If your employer fails to act, however, you should file a complaint with OSHA or the appropriate state employment safety agency with the help of an experienced employment law attorney.
The Bottom Line
As an employee, you shouldn’t have to tolerate an unsafe work environment. Federal and state laws not only require safe working conditions for employees, but they also prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report poor working conditions. Fortunately, most employers agree to address safety concerns raised by their employees. Not only does addressing such concerns help keep their employees safe, but it reduces the risk of costly litigation following an accident. However, if your employer refuses to address your safety concerns, or if the safety issue presents an immediate danger to the health of you and your coworkers, you should immediately contact a lawyer for help.
Contact an Experienced Employment Law Attorney
If your workplace is unsafe, you need an experienced and knowledgeable employment law attorney on your side. When you contact the Herman Law Group for assistance with your situation, we will take the steps necessary to resolve your issue and hold the parties responsible for your unsafe work environment accountable. Our experienced employment law attorneys are passionate about protecting the rights of employees and achieving successful outcomes for our clients. Please contact us today to arrange an initial consultation with one of our talented lawyers.