Anyone familiar with OSHA?

[Bingbong]

Quick BG Law question.

I do chemical distribution at a pest control company. For whatever reason, they are asking me to change some lightbulbs in an attic. It's the 4 foot fluorescent jobs that we all see everyday. The issue is this, the attic is almost completely dark (because the bulbs are out, duh!) and the light fixtures are about 10 feet in the air. Lastly, the "floor" of the attic is floating planking (it's not nailed down in all spots). So the job requires ladder work, in the dark, on unsteady flooring, with both breakable bulbs, and live electricity.

On the flip side, I feel like a pussy for even complaining about this... I'd try to do it in my own house if I needed to, maybe securing some of the flooring. Somehow, crawling around up there for the workplace doesn't seem like something I should be doing, mostly because it sounds like a death trap.

Is there anyone who has had an OSHA dealing with their workplace? How do I bring up the subject without looking like a jerk?

[Surealistic]

you said you do chemical distribution, i dont read that as "i change light bulbs", if they want it changed, and want you to step outside your job description, tell your boss to do it, or whoever is telling you to do it

[Airenn]

you said you do chemical distribution, i dont read that as "i change light bulbs", if they want it changed, and want you to step outside your job description, tell your boss to do it, or whoever is telling you to do it

^


Fuck "sounding like a pussy." S'not your job.

[Cantih]

If you do go about doing it, I'd consider digging about to find out how they were even put in in the first place.

[Bingbong]

you said you do chemical distribution, i dont read that as "i change light bulbs", if they want it changed, and want you to step outside your job description, tell your boss to do it, or whoever is telling you to do it

It's not even the bulb changing that bothers me, I make sure I keep the storage area well lit by changing those same bulbs. The dark attic with no floor on a ladder is my big hang up.

[Airenn]

Also, I had to google OSHA to know what it was because I'm a retard.

Which is good for me, cause I found a nice little Thai place called Osha in NYC. :3

[synistar]

Theres a CALOSHA regulation that states that if you are more than 6 ft above the ground, you need to have a harness such that you won't injure yourself if you fall.

And its within your work rights to say "I do not feel safe doing the task." If they say gtfo, get hurt and collect workcomp and sue for unsafe work environment and intimidation.

[takeDat]

OSHA is generally for construction sites. They come out to inspect the safety precautions taken during normally hazardous work conditions. This situation wouldn't apply, but you could call them if you want~ Only seems like extra whistle blowing tbh, if you dont feel safe just tell your boss.

Nothing like a 10ft fall from a ladder in the dark though. Sounds fun

[aikiz]

Bring it up anyway. You don't look like a jerk. They would suffer more dire consequences if this was found by a third party (government agencies).

[kuronosan]

OSHA is also for hospitals and other places where hazards to employees are considered medium to high risk.

Bring it up to your supervisor. You can actually take them to court if something happens and you have documented proof that nobody did anything to prevent it.

[foopy]

fall, sue, win.

[Kurp]

OSHA is generally for construction sites.

I don't know where you got that idea, but it's not true.

[Headspace]

I don't know where you got that idea, but it's not true.

lmao, OSHA is for every place of employment. If there's a storage closet of cleaning supplies, you bet your ass OSHA regulates that place.

[Bingbong]

fall, sue, win.

break arm/leg/back/neck? Miss baseball season, yard with kids, golf, possibly life... no thanks.


Resolution: Made noise. Boss gave me a dirty look. Walked away... just got word, electrician is coming this afternoon.
/win.

[Bingbong]

double.

[kuronosan]

Not a good sign if your boss is making dirty looks... as anal as it is to have to obey OSHA regulations, they're there to save his ass. He should remember that in case he fucks up and ends up at a soup kitchen because he thought it wasn't worth his time to fix.

[Bingbong]

Guy is a jerk anyway. Can go suck a bag of dicks for all I care.

[Melena]

OSHA is also for hospitals and other places where hazards to employees are considered medium to high risk.

Bring it up to your supervisor. You can actually take them to court if something happens and you have documented proof that nobody did anything to prevent it.

Yea, not true on that. When I worked at Fry's Electronics we got regular visits from OSHA due to all the bullshit that went on with that company. Blocked fire exits, improper training on forklift use, etc etc.

[kuronosan]

Yea, not true on that. When I worked at Fry's Electronics we got regular visits from OSHA due to all the bullshit that went on with that company. Blocked fire exits, improper training on forklift use, etc etc.

Okay, I'm sorry, which part of my statement is untrue?

[jmc]

Okay, I'm sorry, which part of my statement is untrue?

Maybe a mis-quote?

I'm kinda curious what company OP works for, since this is my area. Not that I need pesticides or anything lol