The Workplace Safety Claim You Need To Be Aware Of

We have all heard of bullying in middle school, high school, and even hazing on college campuses. With all of the bullying in schools throughout America, one would think that people would get enough by the time they are adults.

While most workplace dynamics are very domesticated, there are a few industries where people may go too far in discrediting, demoralizing, and de-motivating fellow co-workers. If you’re in one of these situations, you may want to think about filing a workplace bullying claim.

Workplace bullying is defined as repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by another co-worker or superior officer or group. Some of the major cases include humiliation, threats, intimidation, and verbal abuse. If you’re involved in an unhealthy work environment know that you have rights to file a claim with OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration).

Being Afraid is a Normal Response

Many people do not want to file a claim due to fear of job loss and office manipulation. In some cases the offender is actually the boss of the company or organization, making the situation even harder to rectify. Federal law makes it illegal for companies to fire an individual on the basis of a workplace bullying case. Unfortunately, after the case has been rectified, many employees are still forced out through various corporate mechanisms called, “constructive discharge.” Fortunately, you may be able to sue further for damages if your company fires you prejudicially.

If you’re planning on filing a claim against another worker within your organization make sure that you accumulate enough information to win the case. Filing one of these cases, although you are protected, may cause tension in the workplace. It’s best to make sure that you have substantial evidence of bullying prior to opening a case with OSHA. Some of the best information to accumulate would be emails, journals of verbal abuse, witness accumulation, and performance reviews. All of this information can and will be used in the court of law to ensure your successful compensation.

Contact OSHA Directly

Power in numbers is one of the best defenses against workplace bullying; especially if the bully is a high ranking official or boss within the organization. If you attempt to take on the CEO of a Fortune 500 company by yourself, you’re most likely to fail. Unfortunately, the more powerful the offender the more support you will need in winning the case. Create a group, union, or petition against the individual with co-signers at your side and you’ll find that the case will be won more easily.

In addition, always make sure that you’re discrete about your case and potential filing against another employee or employer. Most human resource departments look at bully complainers as threats or troublemakers within the company – they may find ways to eliminate you before you’re able to gather information evidence against the offender.

Although OSHA and other government regulated organizations have made significant strides in protecting bullied individuals within the workplace, many larger companies have found ways to hide the daily intricacies of the company. Third-party agencies such as the OSHA and the BBB are able to keep you protected during the investigation and will not disclose information about your identity without your approval. Recommended reading: 5 Amazing iPad Apps You Need If You Run A Construction Site