Atlanta Workplace Safety Attorney
As a business owner, you want to run your business in the most efficient, safe, and responsible manner possible. But workplace accidents and safety issues can arise regardless of the actions you take to prevent them. Business owners can face serious penalties from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for safety violations, higher workers’ compensation premiums, and civil lawsuits filed by employees who get hurt on the job when an OSHA standard is violated. And, even if you are innocent in the matter, an OSHA complaint is a stressful, time-consuming issue that must be handled carefully. Here at The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC, Atlanta workplace safety attorney Christine Forsythe will help you understand your rights, and take action to defend your business from workplace safety complaints and claims.
OSHA Complaints
If an employee believes their employer is violating OSHA standards or is creating a serious workplace hazard, they have the ability to file a complaint against their employer with OSHA. OSHA will then potentially conduct an inspection of the workplace or jobsite. An attorney can help you in the following ways:
- Compliance with OSHA regulations—It is essential that your business complies with all OSHA workplace safety standards and laws. It can be challenging for business owners to fully grasp all federal and state regulations. As such, working with an attorney ensures that you are in compliance, and that any potential OSHA complaints will not result in a citation, claim, or lawsuit.
- Prepare for an OSHA inspection—OSHA workplace inspectors can arrive any time during business hours, either announced or unannounced. They may be entitled to conduct an inspection out of business hours as well. It is essential that you are in compliance with OSAH at this time, allowing them entrance to conduct the inspection.
- Defense against OSHA citations—We can help you defend against OSHA citations and contest (appeal) decisions made by the court.
Retaliation
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing an OSHA complaint, cooperating in an investigation, or even bringing up the fact that they might file a complaint. Making any negative employment decision because of an employee’s involvement in a workplace safety claim can result in a whistleblower lawsuit on top of the initial OSHA complaint. An employee may file a whistleblower complaint against their employer if all of the following occurred:
- The employee engaged in protected activity under a whistleblower protection law
- The employer knew or suspected the employee engaged in the protected activity
- The employer took an adverse employment decision against the employee
- The protected activity of the employee motivated or contributed to the adverse employment decision
Call an Atlanta Workplace Safety Attorney Today
If an employee has filed an OSHA complaint, you need to speak with an attorney immediately. Moreover, it is illegal for you to take adverse action against the employee for filing the complaint. Call Christine Forsythe at The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC today for legal representation at 404.476.2717 to schedule a consultation. Christine Forsythe has tried and won cases at the national level, and is confident in her ability to get you the results you are looking for.
