If you spot dangerous conditions at your job, what is the best thing to do? If it’s a relatively minor issue, like water spilled on the floor, you may take care of the hazard yourself by grabbing a bucket and mop. But what if the issue is something that cannot be resolved quickly, or without considerable risk to yourself and others? Maybe there are a set of steps at work that are uneven, and now the concrete is cracking on the top and sides.
Clearly, this is a fall hazard, but it will take professionals to fix the steps and make them safe for everyone at your workplace. Thus, you would report it to your supervisor or someone else in charge, and hopefully, they will act immediately to ensure a safe working environment. Unfortunately, some employers in the city of Modesto do not care about the safety of their workers and refuse to acknowledge that there is a problem. You and others should not be forced to work in a dangerous environment, which is a violation of your employment rights.
No matter the excuse, your employer is legally required to provide you with safe working conditions. If they are following safety regulations by the California Department of Industrial Relations, you have the right to take legal action. To ensure the best possible chance of victory, please contact California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group as soon as possible. Our legal team is ready to hear your story and help you find relief as someone who is dealing with unsafe working conditions in Modesto.
Federal and State Laws on Unsafe Work Environments
Employees in California are protected from an unsafe workplace by both federal and state laws. With very few exceptions, all employers must follow state and federal regulations to protect the health and safety of their workers. The Occupations Safety and Health Act of 1970 is one of the laws concerning safety regulations for employees in the U.S. These regulations are enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The OSH requires employers to resolve recognizable hazards in the workplace that have the potential to cause injury or death. Most of the duties of maintaining a safe working environment fall on the employer, but employees also have the right to take certain actions to ensure the safety of others. So, there are rules and regulations that both workers and companies must follow in order to establish what is legally considered a safe workplace.
At the state level, workplace safety regulations are enforced by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly referred to as Cal/OSHA. The agency’s goal is to protect the health and safety of all workers in the state of California by providing education, outreach, and assistance. Cal/OSHA is also in charge of issuing various permits, certifications, and licenses to California employers.
If an employer is breaking the rules that are established by Cal/OSHA and OSHA, they can face significant fines, and perhaps even jail time if the violation results in death. To learn more about these regulatory agencies and how they can help you, contact a Modesto unsafe working conditions lawsuit attorney.
Taking Legal Action against Your Employer
Employees who are forced to work in unsafe conditions have options when it comes to asserting their rights. In California, workers can refuse to continue working in conditions that are clearly unsafe and demand that the employer do something about the problem. You can also file a claim with the state of California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
Toi file a Cal/OSHA complaint, you must contact your local district office, which you can find here. The district office representative will ask for information, such as the name and address of your workplace, and the type and location of the hazard. For example, you may be working at a warehouse that has a set of dangerous stairs. You have noticed that the stairs are unstable and missing pieces of wood that should reinforce them on the sides. In addition, the handrail is poorly designed, making them hard to grab as you go up and down the stairs.
Based on your allegations, Cal/OSHA will conduct an investigation by visiting the work site, interviewing people at the job, taking photographs, and reviewing documents kept by the employer. If the agency finds that a health and safety violation has occurred, the employer will be required to take certain steps to ensure that the problem is fixed.
Filing a lawsuit for unsafe working conditions is another option that may be available to you. It’s essential that you discuss the process of suing your employer with a labor law violation attorney. Please note that the legal system for employment violations is extremely difficult to navigate, and it is not easy to build a solid case for negligence by an employer. That’s why we invite you to contact our law firm and schedule a free case review.
Talk to a Lawyer Specializing in Workplace Violations
The laws defining an unsafe work environment exist to protect employees and punish employers who subject their workers to hazardous conditions. However, filing a claim or lawsuit against the employer comes with unique challenges, which is why you should talk to a lawyer with experience in lawsuits for employment rights violations. Our team of unsafe work attorneys in Modesto are available 24/7 to provide you with advice and guidance, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
We know that finances are a major concern for anyone who is considering legal action against their employer. Our law firm takes all cases on contingency, so you do not have to pay a single penny out of pocket. With the Zero Fee Guarantee policy, you owe us absolutely nothing until your attorney resolves the case in your favor. If we fail to win your case and hold your employer accountable, you owe us $0 for the cost of legal services.
We look forward to speaking with you and upholding your right to work in a safe environment. Please take a moment to schedule a free consultation by contacting our attorneys in Modesto.
