Your Guide to Reporting an Unsafe NY Workplace
Working in a hazardous environment can be a daily ordeal for many New York employees. So, you are not the only one who faces unsafe working conditions. But the good news is you can report an unsafe NY workplace with proper legal guidance and hand-holding support, protecting yourself and your colleagues from potential hazards.
Continue reading to learn what is defined as an unsafe working condition and how you can report one. This post will also explore many other similar topics like the example of some common unsafe working conditions, consequences of working in hazardous conditions, etc. Let’s start the discussion.
Definition of Unsafe Working Conditions
A workplace containing a hazardous environment and threatening employees’ health and safety is referred to as unsafe working conditions. Such workplaces fall short of regulatory standards and hinder employees’ ability to work properly and safely.
Reporting an Unsafe NY Workplace
Most unsafe workplace lawyers recommend clients discuss issues directly with employers in the first place. If discussions with your manager fail to resolve the issue, you may file a formal complaint through the HR department. If you find your employer unresponsive to your complaint, consider filing a new complaint with a relevant government (state or federal) agency.
Employees of New York City can report unsafe worksite conditions online directly through NYC311. The same can also be done through the State of New York. The government agency OSHA which stands for Occupational Safety & Health Administration also receives complaints online regarding unsafe working conditions
Examples of Unsafe Conditions in New York Workplaces
Employers are legally obligated to provide safe and healthy workplaces. However, sometimes they fail to deliver it which causes a hazardous workplace putting their employees' well-being at risk. Some common unsafe working conditions include:
- Faulty wiring, exposed wires, and damaged cords
- Wet and slippery floors
- Unhygienic surroundings
- Insufficient illumination
- Lack of safety equipment
- Poisonous gases and harmful substances
- Faulty, broken, or defective equipment and tools
- Unsecured and unorganized inventory
- High noise levels
Ramifications of Working in Unsafe Conditions
Workplace injuries and diseases can be potentially fatal or cause serious injury. In extreme cases, the consequences can even be deadly. Common injuries and diseases caused by unsafe work environments include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Back injuries
- Eye injuries and loss of sight
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of limbs or other body parts
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic lung diseases
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cancer
We hope this post has clarified what constitutes unsafe working conditions and the potential consequences employees may face in such environments. Consulting with an unsafe workplace lawyer
and reporting risky working conditions in the first place is always recommended.
You can also ask for compensation if you are suffering from work-related injuries. Some employees don’t get injured but develop a disease because of their working conditions. Even then they can file a report and ask for compensation.
You can hire a highly rated unsafe workplace lawyer from Braude Injury Lawyers. We are a leading law firm specializing in personal injury cases. Reach out to us to discuss your case. We are committed to aggressively pursuing your financial recovery while you focus on healing.