You have the right to a safe workplace

On Behalf of | Jan 26, 2015 | Employer Retaliation |

As many employees in Indiana are all too aware, in an employment-at-will state, you can be fired for almost any reason at almost any time. This is a great encouragement to do your best and try not to get on the wrong side of your employer, but at what cost? You still deserve to be treated fairly and with respect and, most of all, to be safe in your place of work. However, some employees suffer retaliatory discharge simply for reporting hazards in their workplace.

Fortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration oversees employee safety. There are various regulations in place governing safety standards in the workplace and if these are breached, you have the right to contact OSHA. Any employer retaliating against you for doing so is in breach of the law, meaning you may be able to regain your position and possibly even claim compensation.

Everyone deserves to be safe at work, so if you notice a hazard, you should report it to your superiors immediately. If they do not remedy the situation, the next step is to take the matter to a higher body, such as OSHA. However, you can choose simply to go directly to OSHA. This is completely within your rights as an employee and is an important part of protecting yourself and your colleagues from harm at work.

As this article on retaliation explains many states also have individual laws against retaliation, so it is important to know your rights. An attorney may be able to advise you on your options and support you if you decide to file a retaliation claim or wrongful termination lawsuit.

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