Construction accidents injure nearly 200,000 workers every year and often result in life-changing consequences. To minimize the risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to follow strict guidelines that are designed to prevent accidents and protect the safety of their teams. However, these guidelines aren’t always followed. Talk to your foreman if you notice any unsafe conditions in your workplace to ensure they’re addressed.

How to Discuss Safety Concerns With Your Employer

1. Follow the Established Guidelines

In general, it's best to have any safety concerns addressed at the lowest level possible. Even if you see something that clearly violates OSHA guidelines, point it out to your supervisor before filing a formal complaint or talking to their boss. If they don't take the opportunity to make your workplace safer, report the hazardous conditions to the next person in the chain of command.

2. Propose Solutions

Some safety problems have obvious solutions, such as requiring workers to use specific safety gear. However, some might require more in-depth problem-solving. Having an idea of how to make your workplace safer can help streamline the process and show that you're taking the situation seriously.

3. Research Regulations

If your foreman or safety supervisor isn't taking action, research the specific regulations you believe are being violated. If your foreman wasn't aware of the risk, giving them this information may spur them to make changes. It's also important to document every conversation you have about safety concerns, in case you or someone else experiences a construction accident later.

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, the attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will fight for the compensation you deserve. Since 1989, they’ve helped injured workers throughout the Boston Metro Area file for workers’ compensation and, in some cases, pursue negligence claims against reckless employers. Visit their website to learn how they can help after a construction accident, or call (617) 778-1000 to arrange your initial consultation today.