As a worker, you have certain rights including the right to a safe and healthful workplace. Depending on your occupation, your employer is legally required to meet certain health and safety standards. This ensures workers are not at risk of injury, illness, or fatality while working. If you believe that your employer is not following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, you should file a complaint. Unfortunately, when OSHA’s health and safety standards are not met there is a huge risk of serious accidents and injuries that could hinder a worker’s critical abilities needed to fulfill their role. This can result in expensive medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, emotional distress, and other significant damages. Workers must understand the most frequently cited health and safety violations to prevent any accidents, injuries, or illnesses that occur due to unsafe and unhealthful working conditions. Continue reading to learn more about OSHA and how a trusted Washington, D.C. Workplace Accident Lawyer can help you protect your rights.
What are the most frequently cited OSHA violations?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created as a public health agency responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations and providing employers with training. In 1970 the OSHA Act was created to ensure employers take the necessary steps to provide a safe and healthful workplace for their workers. As a worker, it is critical to understand your basic rights to ensure they are not violated. According to research, the most common OSHA violations include:
- Fall protection
- Machinery hazards
- Lockout/Tagout
- Communication hazards
- Respiratory protection
- Eye and face protection
- Ladders
- Scaffolding
- Powered industrial trucks
Although certain jobs such as construction are considered a higher risk as there are more safety hazards, employers of all occupations must adhere to OSHA’s safety and health regulations to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
Can I be fired for filing a complaint?
Many workers fear they will lose their job if they file a complaint with OSHA regarding an unsafe or unhealthful workplace. However, there is no need to worry as it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against a worker for filing a complaint. Workers have the right to a safe workplace. If you believe your boss has retaliated against you, it is important to take legal action to protect your rights. You should file a retaliation complaint within 30 days of the incident. If your employer has attempted to fire, demote, transfer, deny you benefits, or harass you in any way, you have the right to file a complaint as it is illegal to retaliate against you for exercising your rights under the OSHA Act.
For more information, please contact one of our dedicated Washington, D.C. workplace accident lawyers. Our firm is committed to helping workers get justice.
