When you work under unsafe conditions, you have a right to speak up. You shouldn’t have to keep quiet for fear of losing your job or facing other forms of retribution. But this isn’t only about doing what’s right. It’s also about doing what the law requires. Legally, your employer cannot punish you for making valid complaints about the safety of your workplace.

In this country, employers must do certain things to keep workers safe. From providing safe equipment to proper ventilation and overtime compensation, the United States has relatively strict labor laws. All of this is good for you, the employee.

So when your employer sidesteps safety regulations, you have the right to complain, both to them and to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Recently, a man in Chicago did just that and faced retaliation from his employer, something that OSHA is now holding the employer responsible for.

Although this case takes place halfway across the country, it provides good lessons for all workers.

According to a press release from OSHA, the man filed a complaint that his employer was sidestepping safety measures in the interest of time constraints. As a result of his complaint, his hours were cut. Then, he lost his job.

The man had worked for his employer as a signalman for the commuter train for 22 years before his position was eliminated. When asked by the Department of Labor to justify his termination, the employer couldn’t provide any explanation. For that, they are being held responsible.

The employer has been ordered to pay the man $38,080 in overtime, with interest, attorney’s fees, and compensatory damages.

“An employer does not have the right to retaliate against employees who report safety issues,” said Nick Walters of the area OSHA office. “When employees can’t report safety concerns on the job without fear of retaliation, worker safety and, in this case, passenger safety on Metra, becomes a serious concern.”

Your employer has a duty to keep you safe. And while you are also required to follow safety standards at work, it’s your employer that is ultimately responsible for ensuring proper training and compliance. In other words, if you are hurt in an accident that can be attributed to their lack of care, they can be held responsible.

New York and New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers

The construction accident attorneys of Ginarte Law Firm are committed to helping injured workers seek justice. If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact our offices today to discuss your case. Call (888)GINARTE now.