Many workers across the country are subject to working conditions that can be hazardous to their health. High heat, lack of air circulation, insufficient water and exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals are all issues that employers need to address in order to ensure that their workers are not subject to an increased risk of suffering a work injury. In Southern California, some workers who are employed at a Wal-mart warehouse recently walked out on their jobs to raise awareness for what they allege are dangerous working conditions.
The workers have alleged that they are subject to extreme heat without proper ventilation. Workers also allege that they are given unreasonable work quotas to fulfill, which makes their jobs even more dangerous. A woman who was eight months pregnant while working at the warehouse stated that she was given an hour to ship 2,000 boxes.
Employees have filed complaints with the company. However, according to the employees, these complaints have not been addressed. Employees have even said that some supervisors have threatened to fire them after they made them aware of dangerous working conditions.
Accidental work injuries are not welcome. They happen. However, there are times when changes in the work environment could greatly reduce the risk of such injuries occurring. Workers who are subject to difficult working conditions have a right to voice their displeasure and, if they are injured, they have a right under California law to seek redress through the filing of appropriate compensation claims. Obtaining the maximum level of compensation possible isn’t something they have to do on their own.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Walmart Warehouse Workers Pilgrimage For 50 Miles Over 6 Days To Protest Working Conditions,” Kathleen Miles, Sept. 15, 2012