Unemployment Question. I want to resign because I feel the factory I work in is too unsafe for me. ?

Question

I've been at this place over four years. I've been hospitalized more than two times from injuries sustained there. Both times I was on FMLA for a little over a month. I just went to physical therapy to regain mobility in my neck. Since I've had the therapy, my neck is better and my doctor just lifted my restrictions so that I can return full time into the warehouse lifting boxes again. I'm only in my twenties it scares me I've already hurt myself, I don't know what to do because I don't want to get hurt again. I am afraid of this place because it seems to be dangerous for me. Since the Dr. Just lifted the restrictions I'm suppose to return to work this week.

If I resign am I going to be able to collect unemployment? I know every state is different, I'm in WI. I just healed my sprained neck and I can't afford to beat up my body or crack another rib under their time!

Answer 1

I'm 23 and I work at UPS throwing boxes and have had my fair share of injuries, so I think I know where you're coming from.  Anyway, I think you should follow the golden rule: work smarter, not harder.  Use better lifting methods and you're less likely to hurt yourself.  About the unemployment, I'm not sure about WI, but in NY you won't get squat if you quit, you need to be put out of work because of a lay off.

Answer 2

You are allowed to ask for a different job, that is less physically demanding.  If they refuse, and say you have to do lifting boxes, you can sue for asking you to do a job that is unsafe for you.  Use all your previous Worker's comp claims as proof.  Chances are they will give you a safer job, or say you can no longer be employed with them, and you will get unemployment then, as well as help with retraining for a new job that is easier on yourself.

Answer 3

As long as the facility follows all of OSHA's safe workplace requirements, you don't have a case for unemployment if you quit on the grounds that the environment is unsafe.  Just go find a different job.

Answer 4

First off, safety begins with "you".If the place is dangerous for "you", maybe your doing something wrong.

Go buy yourself a hardhat, some safety glass's, gloves, steel toe boots, life insurance.

Pay attention to your surroundings, be alert, lift with your legs, avoid pinch points, don't walk under suspended load's

You can only collect unemployment if you get laid off, if you quit or get fired,you can't.

Answer 5

Depending on what kind of injury, where it is, and how you got it, you can actually take this pretty far.

You can even file a lawsuit.

Write a letter to city...etc.