What Is Considered an Unsafe Work Environment?

What is considered an unsafe work environment, and what can you do if you believe your workplace is unsafe?

What is an “Unsafe Work Environment”?

According to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, an unsafe work environment is one “that poses a physical or emotional threat to employees, contractors, or visitors.” This definition encompasses a wide range of potential hazards, including:

Physical Hazards

These are risks that come from the physical environment of the workplace. They include things like:

• Faulty or dangerous machinery
• Inadequate lighting
• Cluttered floors or walkways
• Exposed electrical wiring
• Poor ventilation
• Slippery floors

Chemical Hazards

These are risks posed by exposure to harmful chemicals, which can come from things like:

• Cleaning products
• Paints and solvents
• Gasoline and other fuels
• Asbestos
• Radiation

Chemical hazards can be especially dangerous because they can cause long-term health problems, even if you’re only exposed to them for a short period.

Biological Hazards

These are risks posed by exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. These hazards can come from things like:

• Animal waste
• Unsanitary food preparation conditions
• Needles and other sharps
• Sewage
• Blood and other bodily fluids

Ergonomic Hazards

Ergonomic hazards are risks posed by tasks that require repetitive motions or awkward positions. These hazards can lead to things like Carpal tunnel syndrome, Tendinitis, and Lower back pain.

Psychosocial Hazards

Psychosocial hazards are risks posed by the psychological or social environment of the workplace. These hazards can include things like:

• Stressful work conditions
• Violent behavior
• Sexual harassment
• Discrimination

Sometimes, an unsafe environment is not all that obvious. Some of the not-so-obvious signs of an unsafe workplace include:

• A constant feeling like you need to “watch your back”: If you constantly feel like you need to look over your shoulder or watch what you say, it may be a sign that the environment is unsafe.

• You feel like your job is in danger: If you feel like your job is constantly in jeopardy or that you could be fired at any moment, it may be a sign of an unsafe environment.

• You’re constantly anxious or stressed: If you feel anxious or stressed regularly, it may be a sign that the environment is unhealthy.

• There’s a high turnover rate at your place of work: If employees are constantly quitting or getting fired, it may be an indication that the environment is not conducive to a healthy and safe work life.

What to Do if You Believe Your Workplace Is Unsafe

If you believe that your workplace is unsafe, there are a few things you can do:

Talk to Your Supervisor or Boss

If you have concerns about the safety of your workplace, the first step is to talk to your supervisor or boss. They may be able to address your concerns and make changes to improve workplace safety.

File a Complaint with OSHA

If you’ve talked to your supervisor or boss and nothing has changed, you can file a complaint with OSHA. Remember, OSHA requires employers to provide a safe workplace for their employees. Therefore, any complaint that you file will be taken seriously.

Get in Touch with an Experienced Attorney

If you’ve been injured at work or believe you have suffered damages due to an unsafe workplace, you should contact an attorney. They can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.

At the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman, we have over 30 years of experience protecting injured Missouri workers and can work with you to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.