Here in New York, there are thousands of workers who work in unsafe conditions every day. Under regulations provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many of these dangers are avoidable, but employers still often push the boundaries of regulations in pursuit of making profits and meeting deadlines.
As a construction worker, you should familiarize yourself with your rights under OSHA. If you observe or experience unsafe work conditions, and especially if you suffer an injury on a worksite, you should not hesitate to consult with an attorney after seeking proper medical treatment.
This is absolutely true, even if you are an undocumented worker. Many undocumented workers fear that they may place themselves in danger of deportation if they report safety violations or on-the-job injuries.
The good news is that there are specific laws that protect individuals from this kind of unfair practice. Still, it is always wise to consult with an attorney who offers a free consultation to see what legal options you have.
The most important thing for all construction workers in New York is staying safe on the job. If you witness anything that puts workers in danger, the law gives you the power to report it without fear.
OSHA protections for workers
As a construction worker, you have a number of rights guaranteed by law, even if you are an undocumented worker. These rights include, but are not limited to:
– the right to report dangerous activity or conditions in the workplace without retaliation
– the right to know any regulations or standards that apply to your work
– the right to access records of injuries and illnesses at your workplace
– the right to results from any safety tests conducted to identify dangers in your workplace
– the right to request a safety inspection of your workplace from OSHA
– the right to withhold your name from any request or complaint to OSHA
While there are other, more detailed rights guaranteed to workers, the bottom line remains the same — all workers deserve a safe workplace, no matter who you are, where you are from, or your immigration status.
Get strong legal help that believes in workers’ rights
If you have any fears at all about reporting unsafe conditions or injuries at work, or if you have already done so and feel threatened by your employer, you should not wait to reach out to an attorney.
With the help of an attorney who understands your situation and who understands the neighborhood of Brooklyn, you can get the help you need to stay safe on the job or recover fair compensation for your injuries. No matter who you are, you have rights worth protecting!
Source: Nov. 30, -0001
