Have you even been concerned about working in unsafe/hazardous workplace conditions while on the job? Under a federal law known as the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their workers and must follow all OSHA safety and health standards. Continue reading to learn more about OSHA protections and how you can protect yourself from unsafe and unhealthy working conditions at your job.
What to Do if You are Working in a Dangerous Situation at Work?
If you do find yourself in unsafe working conditions at your job, OSHA recommends the following:
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- Bring the concern to your employer’s attention, if possible.
- If unsafe conditions exists at your workplace, you have the right to file a confidential complaint with OSHA. Your name will not be given to the employer and will remain anonymous. OSHA will then send out an OSHA safety and health inspector to investigate the situation. You can submit a complaint online or by phone concerning the hazardous working conditions at any time.
- You may have the legal right to refuse to work if you believe the unsafe or unhealthy working condition is an imminent (life threatening) danger, and more specifically:
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- the conditions clearly present a risk of death or serious physical harm
- there is not sufficient time for OSHA to inspect
- you have brought the condition to the attention of the employer and you have been unable to obtain a correction of the condition
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- Discuss this issue (the right to refuse to work if faced with an imminent danger) thoroughly with OSHA to gain a full understanding of your rights.
Unsure of What is Considered Unsafe Working Conditions?
Not all workplaces are perfect, but making sure that every employee is safe should be the utmost important duty of the employer’s responsibilities. But, as an employee, realizing the red flags, or hazards of an unhealthy working environment is critically important. Please see our previous blog titled “Top 10 Workplace Safety Violations” for more information.
If you or a loved one is involved in a serious accident at your workplace, seek help and representation immediately because you may be entitled to recover compensation for your missed time off, injuries, and other financial difficulties. For expert guidance from a truck accident attorney, call (800) 969-4400, or email The Cochran Firm Philadelphia now.