If the owner and co-workers are unwilling to fix health and safety hazards, what is the recommended first step?

When faced with health and safety hazards in the workplace that are not being addressed by the owner and co-workers, consulting health and safety agencies for advice is a crucial first step. These agencies have the expertise and resources to assess the situation professionally and can provide guidance on best practices for maintaining safety standards. They can offer recommendations for addressing hazards, outline legal requirements, and ensure that employees are informed about their rights in the workplace.

Additionally, consulting professional agencies is a proactive approach that sets a collaborative tone for resolving the issues. It allows for external validation of the concerns being raised and promotes a focus on creating a safe working environment, rather than escalating conflict within the workplace.

This route also helps workers understand the laws and regulations pertaining to workplace safety, ensuring that all actions taken afterwards, such as reporting to regulatory bodies or discussing concerns with management, are backed by appropriate knowledge and authority. By starting with a consultation, individuals can reinforce their position with professional advice, making it more likely for management to take the required actions to fix hazards.