You Decide

Wooden is the largest employer in a small town that makes wooden objects. The factory

Produces about 1,000 logs a day and is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The dust in the factory cover, floors, ceiling rafters, of about an inch. The dust is also in the air and the employees are breathing this in. Employees have complained for years but nothing has been done to clean the factory.

The wood dust is definite hazard, not only because of the possibility of exploding, but also because of respiratory problems that could possibly arise for the employees breathing in the dust. I believe that since Karen witnessed this I should report this problem to OSHA. I will let them know about the circumstance and that we are concerned for our safety. I will let OSHA know that I brought this situation to the safety coordinator, my area manager, and the owner. I will also explain what they each told me. The safety coordinator said is not explosive and not to worry about it, that he will have it cleaned up next week. My manager told me not to cause any problem because a major clean up will only stop production. He said that because he’s been in the industry for 30 years he knows a situation when he sees it and to let the experts handle it. The owner told that I couldn’t prove that there is fire or explosion hazard on the factory floor. He also said that I should only come to him if there is any safety issue. Based on their responses I decided to report the issue to OSHA.

The reason why chose to report this is because Wooden violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Employers have the responsibility to