No matter what kind of job you have, your workplace conditions should be safe and healthy. Even if your work environment involves some dangerous conditions, there are safety standards to help mitigate that danger. All companies should strive to keep their employees safe. So, how do employees know what standards make a workplace safe?
Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison, P.C. wants to help keep workers safe. We recognize that it may be difficult to tell if your workplace conditions are unsafe. The following information should help guide you in identifying dangerous working environments.
What Defines an Unsafe Working Environment?
Unsafe working conditions occur when an employee is unable to perform his or her daily work duties due to hazardous physical conditions. These conditions can include:
- Exposed wiring
- Broken tools or equipment
- Dangerous materials
- Falling objects
- Toxic vapors
- Chemical exposure
- Slip and fall hazards
- General employer negligence of the surrounding environment
What Laws Protect My Workplace Conditions?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal organization created by Congress. It ensures safe and healthy working conditions for employees by enforcing certain workplace standards and laws. The federal OSHA program covers all private sector and post office employees. However, state-operated OSHA programs must regulate safe workplace conditions for public-sector businesses. Not every state has such programs, but California does. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is in charge of making sure California workplaces are safe.
OSHA requires employers to provide training to their employees to help ensure their safety. These training courses are often related to the type of work employees do. Construction workers must have training on worksite safety standards. Healthcare workers must learn standards for maintaining a clean and healthy office. Anyone working with chemicals must have training to safely handle dangerous chemicals to reduce chances of exposure.
You can also request OSHA work injury and workers’ rights information from your employer. Also, you can request an OSHA inspection and its results.
What Steps Can I Take to File a Claim?
As an employee, you have every right to a safe working environment. If you want to complain, you should first inform your employer. Then, file a complaint with human resources and OSHA if your employer does not fix the problem. You can also file a lawsuit for any injuries you received from the unsafe working conditions. Contact our Los Angeles employment lawyers today for a free evaluation.