Everyone has the right to safe working conditions.
Although some workers might feel reporting unsafe conditions is a waste of time, it is the best way to prevent accidents from happening in the future.
If you spot a potential risk or witness an incident taking place, you must report it.
However, it is difficult to know who to report to, especially when your boss does not take responsibility.
If this is your experience, then this article will help you through four steps to tackle hazardous working conditions.
Gather Evidence
Before bringing the issue to your employer, you should gather as much evidence as you can to prove the seriousness of your concern.
This is straightforward if you have a particular incident you want to discuss.
You would require the date and time of the incident, accident reports, and witness statements.
It is also beneficial to note any previous conversations you have had.
You should compile a folder with any emails, letters, or text messages that show anyone in the company worrying about the issue or incident.
If you can, you should also try to research the issue.
This will ensure you are more confident when speaking to your boss and can answer any questions they might have.
Speak to Your Boss
In some cases, you will need to follow a particular procedure to raise your concerns to the most relevant person.
If your employer does not have a process to follow, you can speak to your boss or manager instead.
When you meet with a senior member of staff to raise your concerns, you must remain calm and professional.
Do not become frustrated or upset during the discussion; if you behave this way, your boss might not take you or the issue seriously.
You should have a way to resolve the health and safety issue in mind, as this will increase the chance of getting your boss onboard.
It is encouraged to document any conversations you have regarding the health and safety issue.
This will make following up easier and can be used as evidence if you need to discuss the issue with another party.
If your employer does nothing and the working conditions continue to be unsafe, you can proceed with the next step.
Contact Your Union Representative
When your boss does not improve the work conditions, it's time to contact your trade union rep if you are a union member.
Unions can provide assistance and advice to resolve issues. Safety is a severe issue for unions like the Teamsters Alberta labour union.
This explains that employers who are quick to dismiss safety concerns or put workers in unsafe positions are fostering unhealthy work environments.
Your union will help you have a voice in the workplace while protecting your rights and work conditions.
If multiple workers have the same grievance, the union can help the group decide which action to take, such as picketing or strikes.
However, not all workplaces have trade union representation so that this step might be irrelevant to some employees.
File a Complaint with OSHA
If your work conditions are dangerous, you and your co-workers can file complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ask for a workplace inspection.
There is no need for your employer to know who contacted the organization.
However, it would be illegal for your employer to retaliate.
Complaints can be filed online, by phone, or by mail.
Written complaints signed by the workers and a union representative are more likely to receive on-site OSHA inspections.
When the inspector visits, workers can attend the inspection, speak to the inspector privately, and participate in any meetings between the employer and inspector.
By requesting an OSHA inspection due to unsafe work conditions, you can find out the inspection's result and request a review if required.
The four steps listed in this post should hopefully simplify your experience if you need to tackle unsafe conditions at work.
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