The company is doing nothing regarding egress & the union only grieves it but not enough is getting done. I’m worried that there could be a real scenario where we need to evacuate the building & might have trouble. What can I do? Can I go to my local fire department & report them? Who can I contact at OSHA?
Yes and yes.
Local Fire Marshall. Tell (it) (can't assume male or other) when this occurs....Marshall getting there at 14:00 isn't going to help as they'll look around and say "no problem here....".
OSHA....file on the Hotline.
Now.....reality.
Whatever operation you are in, that's the way it is. Guaranteed......that's how it will be long after you are gone. It has developed however it is over time based on the design of the facility and nature of what you are doing. I promise that will not change.
Now.......safety? Well, nothing will happen until a tragedy occurs....they are rare......and then things will settle right back to the way they were. With nary a word said.
Mgt. is WELL aware of how unsafe, crowded whatever else is happening. Whatever it takes for productivity. Your safety is somewhere in the mix but NEVER 1st and always weighed against cost.
In my 40 years......shaming of Mgt. is usually the only way to effect change. Depending how secure you feel in your position......you can be very vocal and make Mgt. very angry, perhaps causing change(being very clear that this NOT a reason to NOT take action)......or be clandestine and more anonymous.....ever poked a yellow jacket nest? They take great exception.
I have shown and proved that persistence(time and pressure) can cause change and improvements(safety as well as productivity).
Be aware that you will meet great resistance from Mgt., employees and the Union as well as any outside authority. Yes, your fellow employees can be your biggest hazard(reinforced and encouraged by the Union)(up to and including violence). This attitude is on full display on BC. Being noble and all that is commendable.....be aware it can and often has unintended consequences. Pick what hill you are willing to die on.......carefully.