Went to new job training only to find out former employer had no training in handling hazardous materials and did not provide personal protective equipment, even when I asked I was told it was okay to stick my hands into what I now know is a carcinogen. My hands are in pretty rough shape. I am mad. What can I do. This is a major company I worked for. What idiots!
File an OSHA complaint. Or go to your state environmental agency that does environmental audits.
Carcinogen isn't the end of the discussion, though. Many many things are carcinogens and they have standards of exposure that may allow you to stick your hand into them. Burnt toast crumbs, for example.
Posted on October 30th, 2008 by roy
Filed under: OSHA Training
File an OSHA complaint. Or go to your state environmental agency that does environmental audits.
Carcinogen isn't the end of the discussion, though. Many many things are carcinogens and they have standards of exposure that may allow you to stick your hand into them. Burnt toast crumbs, for example.
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Call 800-321-OSHA, and report them.
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File a report with OSHA. See the attached form.
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http://www.dol.gov/libraryforms/go-us-dol-form.asp?FormNumber=232
If your hands are in "pretty rough shape" it sounds as if you may have a basis for a legal claim for damages. As others have reported you should definitely report them to help protect their other workers and future ones. However if you have medical documentation about issues with your hands you might wish to consult a lawyer about seeking damages from them.
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File a complaint with OSHA and get them out there.
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I would seek legal advise. Many attorneys will give you options without you having to hire them outright and may not ask to be paid until you win your case.
Making an OSHA claim after you no longer work for a company is hard to make stick. OSHA looks at these claims (and can't really blame them) as a disgruntled employee trying to cry allegations agaisnt the company. It doesn't mean don't try, the worse that can happen is OSHA doesn't respond and there's always a chance, no matter how small, that they might.
Also. Make sure that the company you worked for wasn't considered government employed. Government organizations are, mostly, exempt from OSHA oversight.
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