Workplace safety is a paramount concern for all employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 69,000 private-sector workers were injured on the job in 2022, with more than 45,000 of those injuries classified as severe. While transportation and construction are among the most hazardous sectors, workplace injuries occur across all industries. Often, these injuries result from employers failing to adhere to established safety standards, significantly increasing the risk of serious harm to their employees.
If you have concerns about workplace safety or have been injured due to unsafe conditions, contact the Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi today. Workers have essential rights, including the right to a safe working environment. It’s crucial to understand that if you report unsafe conditions to a regulatory agency, your employer is prohibited from retaliating against you.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards. OSHA covers workers in private industries and some federal employees in New Jersey. If you suspect a safety violation at your job site, you should file a complaint with OSHA. They have the authority to investigate and, if necessary, take enforcement action against your employer.
Many workers hesitate to report unsafe conditions out of fear of retaliation. However, OSHA enforces whistleblower protections under more than two dozen laws, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act. An experienced labor lawyer can guide you through the process of:
- Filing a Complaint: Assess whether to report a safety violation to OSHA, considering the potential risks and benefits.
- Providing Evidence: Determine what evidence to present to help government agencies identify and address the violation.
- Injury Assessment: Evaluate whether you have been injured due to a workplace hazard.
- Handling Retaliation: Address any retaliation you may face, such as demotion, pay cuts, or other adverse employment actions.
Workers who face retaliation can seek remedies including job reinstatement, lost wages, and other compensations. OSHA can investigate and potentially file a lawsuit on your behalf. In some cases, employees may also file their own lawsuits after a certain period. Contact our firm to assist with your claim.
The Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health Act
Public employees in New Jersey are protected under the Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health Act, which sets minimum safety and health standards. This Act grants public employees specific rights, such as:
- Filing Complaints: The right to file a written complaint about unsafe or unhealthy working conditions.
- On-Site Inspections: The right to request and be present during on-site inspections.
- Compliance Notices: The right to receive copies of any notices to comply with safety standards.
- Information Access: The right to obtain information about safety standards and regulations.
Public employees are also shielded from retaliation or discrimination by their employers, including wrongful termination. If you are a public employee who has been demoted, fired, or experienced a pay cut due to reporting unsafe conditions, contact our law firm immediately. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and seeking appropriate remedies.
Call Our Law Office Today
Whistleblowers play a critical role in maintaining and improving workplace safety standards in New Jersey, under both federal and state laws. The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi stand by courageous workers who advocate for safer workplaces. We can provide a comprehensive overview of your rights and discuss the possibility of pursuing a legal claim to protect your interests and improve conditions for all employees. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
