New York State Law
In New York State, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) sets the standards for workplace safety. Employers are required to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious physical harm or death. This means that employers must identify and address any potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate them.
In addition, New York has its own set of workplace safety laws, known as the New York State Labor Law. Under these laws, employers are required to provide their employees with a workplace that is reasonably safe and free from hazards that could cause injury or death.
Employee Rights
Employees have the right to decide not to engage in work they believe is dangerous or unsafe. This is known as the right to refuse unsafe work. If an employee believes that their work is unsafe, they should report it to their employer or supervisor immediately. If the employer does not address the issue, the employee can refuse to work until the issue is resolved. In addition, employees have the right to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if they believe that their employer is not providing a safe work environment. OSHA will investigate the complaint and take necessary action to ensure the workplace is safe.
What to Do if Your Employer Forces You to Work in an Unsafe Environment
If an employee believes that they are being forced to work in an unsafe environment, they should first report the issue to their employer or supervisor. If the employer does not address the problem, the employee should contact an attorney (such as the attorneys at the Samuel law firm).
An employment law attorney can help the employee understand their rights and legal options. They may be able to negotiate with the employer to resolve the issue, file a complaint with
OSHA, or file a lawsuit on the employee's behalf.
