Work isn’t just a place where you clock in, get a paycheck, and go back home at the end of the day. It’s where you spend a huge chunk of your time, build your career, and maybe even make life-long friends. But for many, the workplace can also be downright dangerous.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the US reports that over 5000 US workers lost their lives to work-related accidents in 2023 alone. At roughly 13 fatalities per day, this is an ugly reminder that safety isn’t always guaranteed at work.
So, how can you be sure that your workplace is safe, and that your employer is not putting you in danger? Here are five red flags worth paying attention to.
1. Lack of Safety Protocols
One way you can know that your employer does not, in fact, care about your health and safety is the absence of a proper set of safety protocols.
A safety protocol is a set of guidelines, processes, and regulations designed to keep employees safe where they work. It identifies all the possible workplace hazards and provides clear step-by-step instructions on how to safely handle them.
If you’re a computer technician, for example, a good protocol would explain how to set up your workspace so you don’t end up with chronic back pain or computer vision syndrome. For a construction worker, it should spell out how to handle equipment, chemicals, or heavy lifting without risking life or limb.
Without a clear set of safety protocols, employees are forced to navigate safety challenges on their own. Even with the best intentions, this can quickly lead to more accidents or injuries.
The bottom line: if your employer doesn’t have a properly defined set of safety protocols, your risk at work is significantly higher.
2. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Toxic chemicals are a big risk in many workplaces, with construction, manufacturing, railway, mining, and healthcare being the most affected.
If you work in any of these industries, or in a role where you’re exposed to diesel fumes, asbestos, pesticides, or any industrial chemicals without proper gear, your employer is gambling with your health.
In the railroad industry, for example, many former railroad workers developed serious health issues after prolonged exposure to harmful substances in the rail yards, maintenance shops, and locomotive cabins. Many now suffer from lung cancer, mesothelioma, and leukemia.
Some of these victims are currently pursuing legal action through a railroad lawsuit for laryngeal cancer cases, holding former employers accountable for failing to protect their health.
According to Gianaris Trial Lawyers, this is not just about financial compensation; it’s about justice for years of unnecessary suffering caused by preventable workplace hazards.
The lesson here is clear: without proper protection, the risk from toxic chemicals is very real, and employers must put measures in place to mitigate it.
3. Ignoring Employee Health Concerns
Whenever there’s a safety issue at work and you complain to your bosses, do they listen? Here’s the thing: no matter how safe your workplace is, when employers ignore safety signs or safety concerns, it’s a huge red flag. It’s the responsibility of every employer to listen and act when workers report safety or health issues.
The problem is, many employees stop reporting issues altogether after a while. Why? Because nothing is usually done about it. Some are even afraid of victimisation, retaliation, and problems in the workplace.
But according to OSHA Worker Rights and Protections, as an employee, you have the right to speak up about safety hazards without fear of retaliation. In fact, you’re also totally within your rights to refuse work that’ll expose you to health hazards.
If your employer is turning a deaf ear, you can request an inspection from OSHA to ensure that everyone is safe in your workplace.
4. High Job Stress
Another way to know if your employer is concerned about your safety is by gauging how they treat your mental health. Are they more concerned about how fast and efficiently you work and less about work-life balance? If your answer is yes, that’s a clear sign they’re putting your health at risk.
According to the American Psychological Association, about 77 per cent of workers say they’ve experienced work-related stress within the month, with many linking it to burnout.
The thing is, safety in your workplace should not just be about preventing physical injuries and death; mental health is also a key part of it. Unchecked stress can cloud judgment, causing poor decision-making and accidents. It can also result in long-term health challenges like hypertension, anxiety, and depression.
5. Ignoring Safety Laws and Regulations
Finally, if your employer can’t be bothered to follow the law, that’s a massive red flag.
In the USA, the main law for health and safety in the workplace is the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act). In the United Kingdom, it’s the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Failure to comply doesn’t just put employees at risk. It can lead to lawsuits, heavy fines, or even a shutdown of the business itself, all of which could damage your future employment prospects.
Whether you work in banking, construction, or transportation, your safety should never be an afterthought. In fact, it should be front and center in the minds of your employer. If it’s not, not just your job could be at stake, but also your health, and even your life.
Take note of the five signs discussed in this article. Use them to gauge whether your workplace really cares about your health, or if it’s slowly putting your life in danger.
