5 ms·

That is unfortunately not how osha functions. At best, they can conduct investigations and cite violations after something bad has happened. https://facilityex

That is unfortunately not how osha functions. At best, they can conduct investigations and cite violations after something bad has happened. https://facilityexecutive.com/calosha-cites-disney-construction-for-two-worker-fatalities/ https://facilityexecutive.com/calosha-cites-disney-construct... They don't have the ability to shut down entire facilities and they don't have the resources to conduct proactive inspections to correct problems before people are hurt/killed.

paulryanrogers 3y ago
Then why does OSHA remain so toothless? Incident reporting should be mandatory and reports should trigger investigation and random inspections.
- hobs 3y ago
  For the same reason the IRS has no money. Because funding them is absolutely against GOP priorities, and big business in general.
  - willcipriano 3y ago
    > big business in general. So the Democrats as well.
    - hobs 3y ago
      Yes, but much more pointedly Republicans, Democrats have to pretend to care about workplace safety at least.
      - deleted 3y ago
        [deleted]
    - ianburrell 3y ago
      Then why has the number of OSHA inspectors increased significantly under Democratic president?
- wahnfrieden 3y ago
  Corporate lobby
inetknght 3y ago
> They don't have the ability to shut down entire facilities and they don't have the resources to conduct proactive inspections to correct problems before people are hurt/killed. No, OSHA doesn't have the resources to be proactive. I wish it did. How would you prevent it from being gamed? Anyway, employees can be proactive too and that doesn't require OSHA to be proactive -- it requires OSHA to (also) be reactive. If someone is concerned over workplace safety then they should put their concern into words. Talk with your employer about your concerns. It's easiest if you write down your words anyway, but doing so is required by OSHA: if you aren't satisfied by the solution that your employer offers then you can take the same words to OSHA. It's worth noting that some states (I'm not sure which) have their own implementation of OSHA. In the USA, any employee can, and should be encouraged to, report [0] unsafe conditions before something bad happens. OSHA has an obligation to investigate if any one of several criteria [1] are true, but one of which is: > A written, signed complaint by a current employee or employee representative with enough detail to enable OSHA to determine that a violation or danger likely exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists; Your employer will almost certainly want to have resolved your safety concerns. Writing it down when talking to your employer can help with eloquence and finding necessary details. And if you're fired for discussing the concerns with your employer then there's a safety harness for you: > Federal law entitles you to a safe workplace. Your employer must keep your workplace free of known health and safety hazards. You have the right to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. [0]: https://www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint https://www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint [1]: https://www.osha.gov/workers/handling https://www.osha.gov/workers/handling [2]: https://www.osha.gov/workers https://www.osha.gov/workers
- Jochim 3y ago
  I appreciate the good intention behind this post but it seems dangerously naive to the reality that most workers face. Many employers simply do not care about worker safety. They'll claim to but the pressures they put in place ensure that it's treated as a secondary measure at best. Most employees cannot afford to be fired for speaking up about safety. Legal protections and compensation often take months/years to come through. They are useless when you have no money for next month's rent. Not to mention that in many places the company that fired you is often the only major employer in your area.

paulryanrogers 3y ago

Then why does OSHA remain so toothless? Incident reporting should be mandatory and reports should trigger investigation and random inspections.

hobs 3y ago
For the same reason the IRS has no money. Because funding them is absolutely against GOP priorities, and big business in general.
- willcipriano 3y ago
  > big business in general. So the Democrats as well.
  - hobs 3y ago
    Yes, but much more pointedly Republicans, Democrats have to pretend to care about workplace safety at least.
    - deleted 3y ago
      [deleted]
  - ianburrell 3y ago
    Then why has the number of OSHA inspectors increased significantly under Democratic president?
wahnfrieden 3y ago
Corporate lobby

inetknght 3y ago

> They don't have the ability to shut down entire facilities and they don't have the resources to conduct proactive inspections to correct problems before people are hurt/killed. No, OSHA doesn't have the resources to be proactive. I wish it did. How would you prevent it from being gamed? Anyway, employees can be proactive too and that doesn't require OSHA to be proactive -- it requires OSHA to (also) be reactive. If someone is concerned over workplace safety then they should put their concern into words. Talk with your employer about your concerns. It's easiest if you write down your words anyway, but doing so is required by OSHA: if you aren't satisfied by the solution that your employer offers then you can take the same words to OSHA. It's worth noting that some states (I'm not sure which) have their own implementation of OSHA. In the USA, any employee can, and should be encouraged to, report [0] unsafe conditions before something bad happens. OSHA has an obligation to investigate if any one of several criteria [1] are true, but one of which is: > A written, signed complaint by a current employee or employee representative with enough detail to enable OSHA to determine that a violation or danger likely exists that threatens physical harm or that an imminent danger exists; Your employer will almost certainly want to have resolved your safety concerns. Writing it down when talking to your employer can help with eloquence and finding necessary details. And if you're fired for discussing the concerns with your employer then there's a safety harness for you: > Federal law entitles you to a safe workplace. Your employer must keep your workplace free of known health and safety hazards. You have the right to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. [0]: https://www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint https://www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint [1]: https://www.osha.gov/workers/handling https://www.osha.gov/workers/handling [2]: https://www.osha.gov/workers https://www.osha.gov/workers

Jochim 3y ago
I appreciate the good intention behind this post but it seems dangerously naive to the reality that most workers face. Many employers simply do not care about worker safety. They'll claim to but the pressures they put in place ensure that it's treated as a secondary measure at best. Most employees cannot afford to be fired for speaking up about safety. Legal protections and compensation often take months/years to come through. They are useless when you have no money for next month's rent. Not to mention that in many places the company that fired you is often the only major employer in your area.