PKSD Newsletter: 12 Companies Risking Workers Due to Unsafe Practices

Workers trust that the companies employing them take proper measures to ensure safety in the workplace. After all, under federal law, a safe work environment is a legal right of every employee. So why have some of the biggest companies been placed on a national list for unsafe work practices?

Each year, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) reveals its “Dirty Dozen” list. The companies named on this list are risking workers with their unsafe practices.

Who are these dangerous employers and what do you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones? In this month’s edition of the PKSD Newsletter, we examine unsafe companies and how they are putting others at risk.

Who Are These “Dirty Dozen” Companies?

The National COSH Dirty Dozen list includes some of the largest and best known companies in the world, including:

Amazon

This retail giant is a household name, yet investigations have revealed multiple repeated safety violations. Recent work injury data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported some other astonishing findings. According to OSHA’s data, Amazon warehouses have twice the number of serious injuries as other warehouses not run by Amazon.

Early on in the year, the Washington Department of Labor and Industries cited Amazon for willfully violating safety laws in the workplace. This is the first agency to issue Amazon this type of serious citation.

Starbucks

Employees at multiple Starbucks locations across the country have been attempting to unionize their stores. Some workers say the reason for these efforts is because of the lax policies that caused many workers to become ill with COVID-19 during the pandemic. However, employees are concerned that Starbucks seems to be thwarting their efforts through retaliation. The coffee retail giant has fired multiple employees just weeks after they became involved in unionization efforts.

The National Labor Relations Board seems to back up these claims. They reported that last July, Starbucks unlawfully retaliated against two baristas in Philadelphia who were also pushing to unionize their store.

Dollar General

Dollar General is no stranger to OSHA. In fact it is well known for safety violations. These violations pose serious safety threats to workers and include:

• Obstructed exits
• Blocked electrical panels
• Housekeeping and sanitation issues
• Forklift violations

Employees of the discount retailer are also increasingly at risk for other violent crimes due to negligent security and staffing shortages. Since 2017, more than 200 violent gun incidents have been reported.

Steps You Can Take for a Safer Workplace

If your work environment becomes unsafe or is exposing you and others to certain hazards, you can take steps to protect yourself and others. If you feel your employer is retaliating against you or others for trying to report your concerns, you can confidentially request an inspection or file a complaint through OSHA.

It is important to understand that any retaliation from an employer is illegal. That means your employer cannot fire, demote or take other acts against you or any other workers who file a complaint through OSHA.

Injured Due to Hazards in the Workplace? Call PKSD Today

Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers are ready to help you seek compensation if you have been harmed by another’s negligence.

Contact our firm for legal assistance, even if you are unsure if you have a claim. Your initial consultation is free and completely confidential, and there are no upfront costs if we represent you.

We have been helping injured victims for decades and secured millions on behalf of our clients.

PKSD. Licensed. Local. Lawyers. 414-333-3333