These organizations are dedicated to fighting for workplace safety
Safety on the job is an important right that workers in the U.S. should be able to count on, now more than ever. But not so long ago, employers and business developers would take short-cuts to save money and protect their financial bottom line while ignoring the consequences for those they would employ.
Many workers have been injured or killed on job sites due to unsafe working conditions and poor planning. For these reasons, several government and private organizations exist to fight for and protect a worker’s rights, which includes the right to work in safe conditions.
If you are a worker in the state of Georgia, these are some of the places you can turn to if you feel your workers’ rights are being violated.
OSHA
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has 2 offices in Atlanta as well as an office in Savannah. OSHA offers guidance on what safety equipment a workplace is required to provide workers and the organization gives advice on actions you can take if you feel your workplace is unsafe.
If you want to know the requirements for your specific job, OSHA can answer questions on what your employer must do to protect you. The link above has frequently asked questions, as well as contact information for your state.
WILG
The Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group (WILG) was founded in 1995. It’s a membership group comprised of workers’ compensation attorneys from all around the nation. Its mission is to advocate on behalf of American workers who are injured on the job or get sick due to work-related activities. WILG fights for workers and their families to promote education and information about the rights of American workers.
NIOSH
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a division of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention). This federal organization devotes its efforts and research towards promoting productive and safe workspaces. The NIOSH website offers advice on everything from hazards on the job to emergency preparedness. There is advice for workers in nearly every industry and someone is available to answer questions during business hours.
NSC
The National Safety Council (NSC) has worked to promote safer workspaces for over 100 years. They offer assistance in education in all fields of employment. Their values state a commitment to the safety of all and the belief that a safe workplace often extends to safety beyond the workplace. They also offer materials to employers to educate and promote a safe environment. NSC is a non-profit organization that offers its services to employers and employees in all 50 U.S. states.
MSHA
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor. It was created with the awareness that mineworkers are at increased risk of injury due to the nature of the job. The group keeps track of changes in the law as well as an accounting of mine accidents and fatalities throughout the year.
If you work in a mine in Georgia, be sure to check out their website to know your rights and understand the protections that are in place for you. You will also find a place to request an inspection of your worksite, as well as a way to anonymously report compliance violations.
ASSP
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is a membership-based group of professionals who are employed by their respective workspaces to oversee safety and health on the job. The group offers continuing education to workers to stay abreast of any changes based on current conditions (such as COVID-19) and advises them on how to update safety protocols at work. For over 100 years, this group has educated safety professionals on the best means of protecting workers in many different occupational fields.
DPH-Georgia
DPH-Georgia is the Georgia Department of Public Health. This division represents the Occupational Health and Safety Surveillance Program, which monitors injury, illness and fatalities in the workplace throughout Georgia. Keeping track of these numbers helps guide the state forward in recommending new guidelines, as well as changing working conditions in certain fields. It also allows the state to step in and intervene to prevent injuries moving forward.
If you or a loved one believe your rights on the job have been violated, or if you have experienced an injury on-the-job, Gerber & Elkins Law has a team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who can clearly explain what your next steps should be. We believe you have a right to a safe workplace and your employer has a responsibility to provide an environment free from harm. Let us advise you on your rights and what to do if they’ve been violated.
