{"id":20138,"date":"2023-01-17T14:51:16","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T19:51:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20138"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:47:52","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T19:47:52","slug":"discussing-workplace-health-concerns-with-your-employer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/discussing-workplace-health-concerns-with-your-employer\/","title":{"rendered":"Discussing Workplace Health Concerns with Your Employer"},"content":{"rendered":"

We spend a lot of time at work \u2014 approximately one-third of our lives, in fact. Your employer must do their best to keep your workplace safe, but health and safety issues may come up anyway.\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s important to address these issues with your employer. Even if you\u2019re just burned out and need a\u00a0<\/span>sick day<\/span><\/a> to recuperate your mental health, advocating for yourself will help ensure a happier, healthier workplace for you and better outcomes for your employer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Workplace health issues run the gamut. If you work outside, you may be exposed to extreme heat and lack of shade, <\/span>stinging or biting insects<\/span>\u00a0or dangerous slip and fall hazards. Indoor office workers generally face fewer physical threats, but they may be exposed to mold or chemicals, have a workspace that puts stress on their body or endure hostile work dynamics that cause severe mental health strain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Though health and safety concerns at work are a reality, solutions are available. Employers are required by law to keep their workers safe from a wide array of dangers. The federal <\/span>Occupational Safety and Health Administration<\/span><\/a> (OSHA) enforces workplace safety standards to reduce injury and death on the job. As part of the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA inspects workplaces to ensure health and safety, investigates complaints of unsafe conditions and helps train employers and employees on workplace safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Individual states may have further workplace safety regulations and laws. Other government entities, like the <\/span>National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health <\/span><\/a>(NIOSH), support states in creating and enforcing workplace safety plans. These organizations are important resources, both to help you understand your rights as an employee and to seek help if your employer isn\u2019t keeping your workplace safe and healthy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes an employer may not realize that their health and safety policies aren\u2019t working. You can play an important role in making your work site safer and healthier for you and your colleagues by communicating any issues or suggestions to your employer or by pointing out a policy that may be going unenforced.\u00a0<\/span>Here are some tips for preparing to talk to your boss about workplace safety issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Know your rights<\/h2>\n

Workers are protected by a wide spectrum of state and federal rights, which keep them safe and healthy on the job. By law, your employer must keep your workplace free of known health and safety hazards, and they cannot retaliate against you for speaking up about safety concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about your <\/span>worker rights<\/span><\/a> from OSHA, and contact your <\/span>local OSHA chapter<\/span><\/a> to find out more or to file a complaint. Search online for \u201cworkplace safety laws\u201d and the name of your state. Knowing the law will help you feel prepared to talk to your employer about safety or health concerns at work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Review company policy<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s more to company policy than the office dress code. Most jobs will provide information about company policy when you begin work, or the policy may be posted somewhere, either online or at the work site. Company policies should include information about health and safety at work, as well as guidelines for how to flag issues, whom to inform and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before speaking with your employer, review the company policy to better understand the company\u2019s health and safety procedures. You\u2019ll be able to point out any discrepancies at your meeting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gather evidence<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re facing a health and safety issue at work, documentation of the problem can be critical in getting it addressed. If you visit a doctor or <\/span>urgent care<\/span><\/a> due to a workplace issue, keep the bill and medical record of the visit as evidence. If you need an accommodation, have your doctor or relevant medical professional write out their recommendation. If you\u2019ve sustained an injury at work, like <\/span>throwing out your back, <\/span>documentation like medical records will help you claim worker\u2019s compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the issue is affecting several colleagues, gather testimony from as many as you can, in writing, with a date and a signature. Photos, videos or audio recordings of unsafe conditions can also be helpful, but exercise caution when filming or recording in restricted areas. The <\/span>National Labor Relations Board<\/span><\/a>, which issues decisions related to labor issues, gives employees certain protections when recording or videotaping at work to document workplace concerns, but know your company\u2019s policies before pulling out a camera. If you have questions about documenting evidence at work, contact your local OSHA chapter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep your goals in mind<\/h2>\n

Before you bring your concerns to your employer, make sure you figure out which specific outcomes you\u2019d like to see. What changes should your employer make to create a healthier, safer workplace? If you need a specific accommodation, have a plan prepared ahead of time, so you can make a clear, direct request of your employer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, employers are required to help keep you safe. They will likely be eager to hear about issues and find ways to remedy them. Having clear goals will help you work together to make your workplace safer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outline your main points<\/h2>\n

When approaching your boss with workplace safety concerns, clarity and direct information are important for addressing the issue. Be specific about the problem and how it is impacting your and\/or your colleagues\u2019 ability to work. For example, if the office\u2019s dim lighting is making it hard to see and causing headaches or eye pain, be specific about what\u2019s happening: Who is affected? Where are the lights? What is a reasonable solution?<\/span><\/p>\n

It may be helpful to write out your ideas ahead of time, so you know what you\u2019re going to say and the points you intend to make. This will help make the conversation more productive and efficient, and give your employer the information they need to make your office or work site safer and healthier for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlight the benefits for the company<\/h2>\n

If there\u2019s a health or safety issue at your workplace, chances are you\u2019re not the only one affected by it. Unsafe working conditions can threaten worker safety, but they also damage morale and can make it harder to retain employees. That means when it comes to addressing safety issues, you and your employer are on the same team!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure to mention that a safer healthier workplace is good for everyone, including your boss. For instance, if you need to take a day off for mental health reasons, that\u2019s not just for your sake \u2014 a short break will help you return to the office refreshed and ready to jump back in, which boosts productivity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remain professional<\/h2>\n

Workplace issues can be emotional, but keeping a level head will help you address the issue professionally and responsibly, making it more likely you\u2019ll achieve your goal. Before you meet with your boss about a health or safety issue, set a clear plan for what you\u2019ll say, how you\u2019ll respond to questions and the outcomes you\u2019d like to achieve. Planning in advance will help you stay calm and poised during your meeting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if your workplace has a casual dress code, this might be a good time to dress a little extra nicely. <\/span>Research has found<\/span><\/a> that professional attire affects not only others\u2019 perception of you but your own performance and beliefs about yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some other tips for a meeting with your employer include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n