Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. Whether you’re on a construction site, in a warehouse, or anywhere else, a healthy and secure work environment is more than just a benefit; it’s your right.
When something feels off, like faulty equipment, ignored safety protocols, or dangerous conditions, you shouldn’t have to stay silent. Your well-being matters. Taking action can protect not just you, but your coworkers, too.
How do I report unsafe work conditions at a job site? Pennsylvania and New Jersey have processes to protect workers who raise concerns about workplace hazards. When left unchecked, these dangers can lead to injuries on the job.
Here are the procedures, protections, and regulatory authorities to contact so that you can take the next steps without fear of retaliation.
What Does an Unsafe Work Condition Look Like?
You can be exposed to many types of hazards at any job site. Sometimes, these can lead to construction site injuries. An unsafe work condition exists when the workplace environment poses a risk to the health or safety of employees.
This can include, but isn’t limited to:
- Exposure to toxic substances without proper protective equipment
- Inadequate machine guarding or maintenance
- Poor ventilation or lighting
- Blocked fire exits or inaccessible emergency equipment
- Electrical hazards
- Structural deficiencies
- Repeated violations of OSHA standards
- Physical or verbal abuse or harassment leading to a hostile work environment
Start with Internal Reporting When You Can
You may want to follow the chain of command. Many companies have certain procedures for reporting unsafe working conditions, sexual harassment, or other concerns.
You’ll often have to bring your concerns to a supervisor, the HR department, or a designated safety officer. Sometimes, these conditions occur because of oversight rather than bad intent. Good employers will be willing to correct the problem quickly.
If your complaint is not taken seriously or you fear retaliation for speaking up, you may want to take it further.
How To Report Unsafe Conditions in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, most private-sector employees are covered by federal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations. So, you must contact OSHA if you work for a private company.
First, you need some type of documentation. Hearsay will not do. Make sure to write down what is happening. You may even want to take pictures. For your notes, document the dates, times, and any conversations you have had with your employer about the problem.
Next, an official complaint must be made to OSHA. You can file an inquiry online at www.osha.gov/complaints or call 1-800-321-6742 if you have an urgent situation.
If you want your complaint to be taken more seriously, consider using your name. However, anonymous complaints are accepted.
What happens next? OSHA may decide to inspect the workplace. They can issue citations or fines to the employer if they find violations.
Remember that it is illegal for your employer to punish you for filing a complaint. That includes firing, demoting, reducing your hours, or making your work life miserable. If that happens, you can file a retaliation complaint with OSHA within 30 days.
If you work for a state or local government agency, OSHA may be unable to help you. Instead, you may want to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Most state agencies should have internal procedures for reporting safety concerns.
How To Report Unsafe Conditions in New Jersey?
New Jersey handles things a bit differently, especially if you are a public employee. Like Pennsylvania, private workplaces in New Jersey fall under the jurisdiction of OSHA. You will want to follow the steps above to report unsafe conditions.
However, you may have a few other options if you are a public sector employee. You are covered by New Jersey’s Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) program. If you work for a state, county, or municipal agency and see something unsafe, here is what you will want to do:
- First, start by filling out a PEOSH Complaint Form. You can download the form from the New Jersey Department of Health’s website. You want to be specific about what you have witnessed and include any supporting evidence.
- After that, you can submit your complaint. This can be sent by email, fax, or mail to the PEOSH office. They may follow up with an inspection and require your employer to fix any violations.
New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) can help if you are worried about retaliation. CEPA covers both public and private employees. This can offer you some additional peace of mind.
Will You Need Legal Help?
If your employer retaliates against you or the unsafe condition leads to an injury, you might want to speak with an employment attorney or workers’ compensation lawyer. They can also help you take the next steps to protect your rights in the workplace.
Union members should also speak with their representatives. Many unions have grievance procedures and safety committees that can help address concerns about your job.
Speak Up and Stay Safe
Reporting unsafe conditions protects you and your coworkers. Your voice matters, and Pennsylvania and New Jersey have systems in place to make sure you are heard.
Workplace safety is not a privilege. It is your right. If you have concerns about your workplace or have been injured, Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can help you get the answers you need.