Can i be fired for not showing up to work for safety concerns
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Can i be fired for not showing up to work for safety concerns
The company has me working on a machine with many safety and OSHA violations.
Safety guards removed and telling me to put my hand into moving parts through a
removed safety screen to make the machine work consistently.
Asked on December 1, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
If you don't have a written employment contract, you are an employee at will, and can be fired at any time for any reason (you have no right to your job), including not showing up to work for any reason. HOWEVER, if you file a complaint with OHSA, you cannot be fired for making that complaint and could not be fired for following any advice or recommendations from OHSA. Contact OHSA if you believe the machine is as unsafe as you indicate: that this the best way to protect yourself and your job. And also consider: you can get another job, but you can't get another hand. At the end of the day, put your own safety first and worry about job consequences later.
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