• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
jh logo

Kansas City Workers Compensation Lawyer | Missouri

Missouri Workers Compensation Attorney

  • Workers Comp Attorneys
    • Airplane Accident Lawyer
    • Amputation Lawyers
    • Asbestos Lawyer
    • Bone Fracture Lawyer
    • Brain Injury Lawyer
    • Cement Workers Lawyer
    • Construction Lawyer
    • Electrocution Injury Lawyer
    • Falling Debris Injury Lawyer
    • Retail Store Accident Lawyer
    • Slip and Fall Lawyer
    • Welding Injury Lawyer
    • Work Related Injury Lawyer
    • Work Related Stress Lawyers
  • Work Injuries
    • Back Injury at Work
    • Burn Injury
    • Hernia Injury at Work
    • Rib Injury
    • Rotator Cuff Injury at Work
    • Wear and Tear Injury
  • Missouri Work Comp
    • Permanent Partial and Total Disability
  • Case Results
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Work Comp Blog / Why and How You Should Report Unsafe Working Conditions

Why and How You Should Report Unsafe Working Conditions

December 2, 2020 by James Hoffmann

Unsafe working conditions can lead to serious accidents and even deaths if the employer does not provide a secure environment for their employees.

Reporting an issue that may lead to injuries or death can prevent tragic events from happening Unfortunately, many workers are too afraid to report workplace safety issues, worrying that it might cost them their job.

Here is how to file a complaint about safety issues in the workplace, and why you should do it.

reporting unsafe working conditions

Why You Should Report Safety Issues in the Workplace

Hazardous situations at the workplace are more common than we would like, with safety violations leading to 2.8 million reported workplace injuries in 2019 (from SOII, a study of the private sector on non-fatal injuries). Many of these injuries are caused by unsafe working conditions in the workplace, and not by the fault of the employees themselves.

Reporting unsafe working conditions can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. You should also know that you have the right to refuse work until an inspection is carried if the workplace endangers your life or physical integrity.

A report can make a crucial change as the issue will likely be inspected by OSHA officials. They can then apply fines and citations to the employers violating safety protocols. 

Reporting Unsafe Practices to OSHA

OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a federal agency that regulates the working safety for both private and federal organizations. Although it was originally operating on a federal level, 25 states have instituted state-plans, which add further restrictions to the existing federal regulations.

You can report a safety issue at the workplace anonymously to protect yourself from possible retaliation from your employer. As an employee, you have the right to report unsafe practices, even if you are not sure if they do, indeed, break OSHA protocols.

If you decide to file a complaint, search for your local OSHA office and request an inspection, describing what you believe to be a safety hazard. You can then file a complaint directly to your employer. If they do not take any measures about the unsafe working conditions, OSHA can step in and reinforce them, or shut down the business until working is safe again.

What Happens If You Are Punished for Reporting?

Many employers have some kind of hazard reporting procedure in place, especially if they are in an industry prone to workplace injuries. Still, some employers may retaliate if they find out who reported them to the officials. 

If you were punished or even laid off as a result of reporting safety concerns to OSHA, you should contact the agency as soon as you can, no later than 30 days after the decision was made by your employer. 

Reporting safety issues at the workplace is your right. You have the right to work in a safe environment and be protected from injuries or death, and no job should be more important than your health. If you are unsure about the success of your report, if you were injured because of unsafe working conditions, or if you are facing workplace retaliation contact a Missouri work injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Get FREE Legal Advice

Call today to speak with an experienced Missouri workers compensation attorney!

Call (816) 399-3706

Filed Under: Work Comp Blog Tagged With: Work Injury

Updated: December 18, 2020

Footer

FREE CONSULTATION FORM

    avoid-to-handle-work-comp-claim-on-your-own

    6 Reasons Not to to Handle Work Comp Claim on Your Own

    March 1, 2023 By James Hoffmann

    From avoiding costly mistakes to maximizing your compensation, here's why it's in your best interest to avoid handling your work comp claim on your … [Read More...] about 6 Reasons Not to to Handle Work Comp Claim on Your Own

    Formaldehyde-exposure-workers-compensation

    The Dangers of Working with Formaldehyde

    February 28, 2023 By James Hoffmann

    From causing irritating side effects to potentially increasing the risk of cancer, formaldehyde exposure in the workplace can pose significant health … [Read More...] about The Dangers of Working with Formaldehyde

    Law Office of James M. Hoffmann
    Kansas City
    (816) 399-3706

    Missouri Work Comp FAQ

    • What Happens If My Workers’ Compensation Case Goes to Trial?
    • Will Workers Compensation Insurance Pay For My MRI?
    • Can I Get Workers Comp for Stress and Anxiety?
    • Can I Get Workers Compensation for Wear and Tear Injuries?
    • Does Workers Compensation Cover Independent Contractors in Missouri?
    • Workers Compensation Benefits for Scarring and Disfigurement
    • Can I Quit My Job While I’m Receiving Workers Compensation?

    Copyright © 2023 · Law Office of James M. Hoffmann

    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy