Unsafe Working Conditions: Recognize, Refuse, and Report

November 8, 2019

For a workers’ health and safety, being able to identify a workplace hazard is critical. Thanks to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your employer is required to minimize risk and provide a safe workplace environment.

While this federal agency is there to protect workers, it is still essential to understand what qualifies as a violation. Check out this infographic on some common unsafe working conditions, keep reading to learn more about how hazard classification and what rights workers when subject to occupational hazards.

Classification of Unsafe Working Conditions

Ergonomic Hazards

These hazards pose a risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system. They pertain to the strain the job puts on your body. Work that requires you to lift heavy objects or requires you to use repetitive or awkward motions may fall under this category.

Chemical Hazards

Workers should not be exposed to chemicals in the workplace that causes acute or long-term adverse health effects. This hazard can result from either mishandling of harmful chemicals or improper utilization of personal protective equipment.

Biological Hazards

Also referred to as biohazards, biological hazards come from people, plants, or animals. Blood, bodily fluids, toxins, and viruses can all pose serious health risks to workers handling them if the proper precautions are not in place.

What Should You Do?

If you discover unsafe working conditions, you may have the right to refuse to work until your employer fixes the issue. Even if you have personally filed a complaint with the OSHA or brought the issue to the attention of your employer, there are certain requirements that must be met before you refuse to work. You are protected under the law if:

  • Your employer failed to resolve the issue after your request.
  • You must genuinely believe the unsafe condition poses a risk of bodily injury or death.
  • A reasonable person would agree with your assessment of the harmful circumstances.
  • The urgency of the situation does not give the worker enough to report the condition to local agencies or OSHA office. 

Get the Best Defense

Unsafe conditions at the workplace in Atlanta, GA are a serious, dangerous matter. If you or someone you know is injured in any way, including due to unsafe working conditions at your workplace, get Workers Compensation From The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson today!