OSHA Protects Whistleblowers
As a worker in an inherently dangerous field, you have the right to a safe work environment. When your employer, contractor or job site owner creates an environment that’s less than safe, you have the right to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. But, for many people, fear of possible backlash keeps them from complaining, and this could potentially increase the chances of someone getting hurt.
To combat discrimination against whistleblowers, OSHA has been monitoring the treatment of those who do complain and recommending changes in policies that could keep workers from speaking up.
According to a press release from the agency, in some cases it’s actually state laws that dissuade workers from complaining. In Nevada, for example, a worker’s complaint cannot be investigated until that worker tells his supervisor. It’s easy to see how such a requirement would trip up many workers whose complaints may involve the supervisors themselves.
Following a report it published last month, OSHA will continue to monitor treatment of whistleblowers in workplaces. The Federal Annual Monitoring Evaluation (FAME) report revealed that incidents of discrimination involving workers who report health or safety issued in the workplace have been improperly handled in many states.
Some issues cited in the FAME reports include failure to interview the workers subject to alleged discrimination, failure to interview supervisors, the existence of state laws that could discourage complaints, unorganized files related to complains, and incorrect classification of complaints.
OSHA wants to keep communications open with workers on the front lines of the construction industry. The agency doesn’t want fear of retribution to keep workers from reporting potentially hazardous situations. But in the construction environment, filing a complaint is a taboo topic.
The bottom line is this: You deserve to work in a safe place, where the rules and regulations are followed to minimize the risk of a construction accident. When your work environment doesn’t live up to this standard, you have to have a route to remedy it. OSHA is often that route.
Waiting to complain could put you and your co-workers at risk. An unsafe condition now could lead to tragedy down the road.
New Jersey Construction Accident Attorneys
Sometimes you don’t know of a hazard until it’s too late. You don’t know that corners have been cut or that your employer has put you in an unsafe environment. When an accident happens, it could be the first indication that something was wrong. Fortunately, you have rights. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, the New Jersey construction accident lawyers of Ginarte can help.
Contact our lawyers today for a consultation on your case. We can be reached at (888) GINARTE.
