How To Talk to Your Employer About Safety Concerns
How To Talk to Your Employer About Safety Concerns How To Guide
Do Your Research
Make sure you have a good understanding of the issue and the regulations before you approach your employer. Get the most up-to-date information available, as safety regulations do change. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration regularly updates workplace safety standards. The administration’s website is a good place to start when looking for current information.
Know Your Rights
Educate yourself on your rights. Federal law requires your employer to provide a safe working environment, free from known safety and health hazards.
You Can Voice Your Concerns
You have the right to voice your safety concerns to your supervisor. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate in any manner. Every employee has a right to:
- Work on safe machinery
- Receive protective safety equipment, including glasses provided through a prescription safety glasses program
- Receive protection from toxic chemicals
- Receive training on workplace safety and health in an understandable language
You Can Request OSHA’s Assistance
You have the right to request an OSHA inspection and talk to the assigned inspector. In addition, you have the right to other safety-related information, such as results from any tests conducted to determine safety hazards as well as records of work-related illnesses and injuries. If you become sick or injured on the job, you have the right to report it and receive any medical records related to the incident.
Follow the Chain of Command
If you have a safety concern, you should follow the chain of command when reporting it. The first person you approach is your immediate supervisor. If they don’t take care of the issue, then you can seek assistance at the next level. If you work in a place that has an organized union, you may want to talk to your shop steward. Whether your workplace is unionized or not, you could also discuss your concerns with the safety manager or supervisor.
Enlist an Ally
You may want to think about others in your company who are invested in workplace safety. It may be a good idea to discuss your concerns with them, especially if your attempts to address the situation with your supervisor were unsuccessful. When there is no safety manager present, an ally can help you determine what steps to take next.
Present a Solution
Consider what might be done to improve unsafe conditions before you approach your boss with your concerns. They will likely appreciate your effort to present a solution rather than just filing a complaint. It may also demonstrate that you have thought through the problem and understand why the company needs to take action.
When To Contact OSHA
OSHA’s role is to ensure safe working conditions for employees in the workplace. They set and enforce standards as well as provide assistance, training, education and outreach. You have the right to contact them when you feel that your work environment is unsafe or unhealthy. While you can file a confidential complaint at any time, it is especially important to do so if your attempts to address the situation are unsuccessful.
FAQs
Are prescription safety glasses covered by insurance?
Some vision insurance plans cover the cost of prescription safety glasses, but you need to check your individual plan to see if your particular policy provides coverage. You can also use a flex spending account or health savings account to pay for protective eyewear with prescription lenses.
How much do prescription safety glasses cost?
Safety Gear Pro provides prescription safety glasses at affordable prices. We have frames that are less than $20! The lens cost varies according to your prescription and the features you want to be included. Our least expensive lenses start at $50. If you are required to wear PPE, talk to your employer about our corporate safety program.
What is the best prescription safety glasses program?
Safety Gear Pro offers the best safety glasses program. We streamline the process to make ordering safety eyewear for your employees easy. We also offer samples so that you get exactly what you’re looking for. When you have employees that require prescriptive glasses, we’ve got you covered there, too.
Does OSHA require employers to offer prescription safety glasses?
OSHA requires companies to assess their environments for potential hazards that could damage the eyes. If employees are exposed to hazardous materials, the employer is required to supply personal protective equipment. OSHA also stipulates that the company must provide PPE that does not affect vision, so they need to accommodate prescriptions.
Who pays for your prescription lens safety glasses?
If protective eyewear is required at a workplace, then the company has to pay for safety glasses or goggles for their employees, including those who need prescriptive glasses. Some companies choose to offer an allowance, while others opt for the convenience of a prescription safety eyewear program.
