Los Angeles workers know that a safe environment is essential for keeping workplaces free of accidents and other hazards. However, some employers forgo important safety regulations to the peril of their employees. That’s why it’s vital that workers can easily recognize the common signs of a dangerous workplace and know the proper methods for reporting possible violations.
Safety+Health lists some of the most frequent workplace hazards, including improper use of forklifts. Machinery must undergo sufficient maintenance and upkeep to ensure it performs as expected. Additionally, forklifts must be used in the correct manner; frequently these machines are overloaded or operated without care in order to meet pressing deadlines. When forklift accidents do occur, employers often utilize tepid responses (such as simply having the driver undergo routine training).
Workplaces that use and store chemicals must also have proper control procedures in place to prevent serious injuries from occurring. Chemical inventories should contain the right method for disposal, as well as the chemical’s expiration and use-by date. Unused chemicals may become volatile over time, which puts the entire workplace at serious risk.
The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides information on how employees can report violations to preserve the safety of themselves and others. Information on violations can be provided using a number of methods, including via telephone, by filling out an online form or mailing or faxing a paper copy of the downloadable form. OSHA urges that employees issue their report as soon as possible to ensure it will receive the attention it deserves (the agency can only address issues that are currently posing a risk or have posed a risk during the last six months). Reports can include hazards as well as lack of compliance with existing regulations.