A report by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board made several determinations. Here are a few key ones I found in the report:
- Some equipment at the plant was not designed for the purpose it was used or was not maintained.
- Imperial Sugar’s evacuation plans were inadequate.
- The company didn’t practice emergency drills.
I’m certain Imperial Sugar, which reopened the plant in 2009, has greatly improved its safety procedures.
No matter where you work, you have a right to a safe workplace. That means a workplace free of hazards that can cause serious injury or death. A workplace free of hazards that can cause fire, explosions, slips, trips, falls, strains, sprains, bullying, excessive stress and daily exposure to toxic chemicals.
I want to believe that most employers are doing the right thing. I want to believe that most employers want their workers to be safe and healthy. But, those who ignore the law shouldn’t go unchecked. It could cost us our lives.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was created to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free from known dangers.
The Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. The agency also offers excellent training, information and assistance for free to workers and employers.
Here are a few rights OSHA offers employees:
- Ask OSHA to inspect your workplace;
- Use your rights under the law without retaliation and discrimination;
- Receive information and training about hazards, methods to prevent harm, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace. Training must be in a language you can understand;
- Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace.
You and I have a right to a safe workplace. We both know an unsafe workplace is way too serious for us to let employers turn a blind eye to it. You might have to speak up and bring workplace hazards to your employer’s attention, or contact OSHA. It's free and confidential.
Let me ask you this. If you work construction does your employer require or provide you to have steel toed boots, a hard hat and safety glasses
If you work in a factory, does your employer conduct routine evacuation drills?
If you work with or around chemicals, does your employer make sure chemicals are clearly labeled? Does your employer train you what to do you if come in contact with the chemical?
I hope you answered yes. But, if not get a few co-workers together and speak up. Ask for known hazards at work to be addressed. Ask for evacuation training or what to do in case of a workplace fire?
These small steps may save your life.