Unsurprisingly, many workplaces in Oregon remain unsafe. It is sometimes difficult for employees to get an employer to take steps to make a workplace safer. Likewise, employees legitimately fear retaliation from their employers. Here are a couple options available to employees in Oregon. The goal in reporting workplace safety issues is to have the problem fixed and to protect yourself from retaliation.
If you are facing a serious issue regarding workplace safety, it is always best to contact an attorney. There is no substitute for good advice.
1. Complaints to the employer should be in writing, if at all. A written record of a complaint helps you and other employees. If your employer retaliates against you because you reported what you reasonably believe to be a safety violation, a written complaint provides solid evidence of your report. Likewise, if the employer refuses to take corrective action, the employer was on notice of the unsafe condition.
2. Consider writing directly to the Department of Consumer and Business Services. ORS Chapter 654 gives power to the Department of Consumer and Business Services to investigate workplace safety issues. A complaint form and more information are located here.
