If you tell your employer that you feel unsafe in a working environment what are they obligated to do?
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If you tell your employer that you feel unsafe in a working environment what are they obligated to do?
This is more of a personal safety question rather than workplace hazards. I work in a public building and was threatened with bodily harm or death by a patron. After the second incident police were notified and we were told unless said patron attacked me there was nothing to be don In repeating what the officers said, I reminded administration that physical attacks have occurred and my safety was in jeopardy. If I do get attacked, what action can I pursue?
Asked on March 6, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you are attacked and you can show that the attack happened due to the unreasonable carelessness (negligence) of your employer in refusing to address threats which any reasonable person would have addressed, you may have a cause of action. Examples of this would be not having any security at the entranceway, if such is appropriate for a building/office/workplace/etc. of your type in this area; allowing a patron who has made threats against you to continue frequenting the workplace.
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