At Barrett & Farahany, we understand that workplace safety is an important issue that, when not treated with the utmost care, can leave employees in grave danger of injury, and even death. Employers will try to skirt workplace safety regulations to save money, but you as an employee have protections and ways to report them.
Employees should be aware of these rights and protections to protect themselves in an unsafe work environment. The employment law attorneys at Barrett & Farahany will review workplace safety regulations, how employees can protect themselves against their employer, and who they should report any violations to.
What Are Workplace Safety Regulations?
Workplace safety regulations are laws and standards put in place by state and federal legislature to protect employees from injury or harm while on the job. While there are jobs that have to come with a degree of danger – such as mining, firefighting, and law enforcement – there are limits to how an employer can endanger their employees.
These regulations are commonly based on the following:
- The proper use of machinery
- Protective gear
- Hazardous materials
- Training
- Workplace conditions/workplace hazards
All employers must abide by these regulations to ensure their employees’ safety.
How Can Employees Protect Themselves?
Employees should be familiar with their workplace safety regulations and do their best to ensure their employer is abiding. If they feel that their employer is not following the necessary regulations, they can speak up and demand a safer work environment. Employees need to remember that their health and safety come first, and they have the right to a safe work environment.
Who Should Employees Report Unsafe Work Conditions To?
If employees feel that their workplace is unsafe, they should report it to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is responsible for ensuring that employers are following necessary safety regulations and investigating legitimate complaints.
What Laws Offer Protections Against Unsafe Work Environments?
In the United States, the primary law that creates safety regulations for employers is the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act). This act requires employers to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the OSH Act.
What Industries File Reports to OSHA the Most?
Based on the information made available by OSHA, industries that file reports to OSHA the most include:
- Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation
- Taxi and Limousine Service
- School and Employee Bus Transportation
- Charter Bus Industry
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
These industries have high reporting due to their high-hazard nature. It’s worth noting that they also have higher degrees of danger if their reports are going to be considered valid and still they remain the most reported industries.
Contact the Workplace Retaliation Attorneys at Barrett & Farahany
If you’re worried about being punished for reporting your employer, know this: Employers cannot legally punish employees for reporting unsafe working conditions. This is called retaliation, and if your employer ever punishes you for reporting a safety violation, you don’t have to take it. The workplace retaliation attorneys at Barrett & Farahany can help you defend against your employer and even seek compensation for their illegal behavior against you.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you protect yourself and your coworkers after you have reported a workplace that is violating safety regulations. You shouldn’t have to put your health and safety at risk beyond what you agreed to.
