5 Steps to Take if You Believe Your Workplace Is Unsafe

Some jobs in Ohio are riskier than others. However, even the most dangerous jobs should take employee safety seriously.

Unfortunately, not all business owners prioritize their workers’ health, safety, and well-being. For example, they may provide inadequate safety equipment, training, and breaks to try to increase productivity and profits.

If you believe your workplace is unsafe, taking action and speaking up about what’s happening is important. Doing so could save not just your life, but the lives of your coworkers, too.

What to Do

Here are some steps you can take to make a big difference for yourself and others:

1. Document the Unsafe Conditions

Start by documenting the unsafe conditions you encounter at work. Write down detailed descriptions of the conditions, noting the dates, times, and specific locations of these hazards. You should also take clear photographs or videos to create visual evidence of the unsafe conditions.

2. Report the Unsafe Conditions to Your Employer

Notify your immediate supervisor or manager about the unsafe conditions immediately. It is important to follow up on this verbal report with a written one to your employer. Keep a copy of this written report for your records.

3. Bring Up the Issue With the Safety Committee or Union

If your workplace has a safety committee, or if you’re a member of a trade union, bring the issue to their attention. They can provide additional support and resources to address the unsafe conditions. Union representatives, in particular, are well-versed in dealing with such issues and can offer valuable guidance.

4. File a Complaint with OSHA and the BWC

If your employer does not take adequate steps to address the unsafe conditions, file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You can do this through their local office, online, or by phone. OSHA will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action if necessary. You can also report the situation to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

5. Follow Up on the Situation

Monitor the situation to ensure that the unsafe conditions are addressed. If you notice that the hazards persist or if new ones arise, document these and report them again. If necessary, follow up with OSHA to ensure that your complaint is being handled appropriately.

What Happens if Your Employer Retaliates for Reporting Your Workplace?

Retaliation after reporting an unsafe workplace is illegal, but it may still happen if an employer thinks they won’t be reported. Actions involved in employer retaliation can include firing, demotion, reduction in hours or pay, unfavorable job assignments, or any other action that negatively affects your employment status.

If your employer retaliates against you for reporting unsafe conditions or filing a complaint, you have several options and protections under the law:

• Document the Retaliation: Document any retaliatory actions taken against you, including dates, times, and specific incidents. Gather any emails, messages, or documents that support your claim of retaliation.
• Report the Retaliation Internally: Report the retaliation to your company’s HR department. Provide them with all the evidence you have collected. File a formal, written complaint detailing the retaliation and keep a copy for your records.
• File a Complaint with OSHA: You must file a retaliation complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the retaliatory action. You can file a complaint with OSHA online, by mail, or by phone. OSHA will investigate your complaint and can take action against your employer if retaliation is found.
• Know Your Rights: Under the OSHA, employees are protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions or filing complaints. Familiarize yourself with federal and state employment laws that protect against retaliation. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit for workplace harassment or wrongful termination.

What Should You Do if You Get Injured at an Unsafe Workplace?

If you get hurt at a dangerous workplace, you should:

• Immediately seek medical attention to ensure your health and safety.
• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible while following company procedures for reporting workplace injuries.
• Document the incident, including the circumstances leading to the injury, any witnesses, and the medical treatment you received.
• File a workers' compensation claim to cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Almost all workers in Ohio are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after on-the-job injuries, but getting them isn’t easy.

Submitting a successful application requires collecting a lot of evidence, filling out reams of paperwork, and clearing several strict deadlines. However, an experienced Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer can help you throughout this complex process.

Contact Our Ohio Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for a Free Consultation

At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we know that some workplace injuries are freak accidents that can happen to any employee in any occupation—and even these are covered by workers’ compensation. However, it’s unacceptable when injuries are preventable and caused by dangerous hazards and unsafe conditions that employers ignore or cover-up.

If you were injured on the job and need help getting workers’ compensation benefits or filing a worksite injury lawsuit, we have the experience and knowledge you need to maximize your chances of success. Contact us today by filling out the form. Your consultation is free, and you’ll never see a bill from us unless we help you get your workers' compensation benefits application approved.

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