Unsafe workplace/OSHA complaint

Unsafe workplace/OSHA complaint

I work in a prestige creative industry that is known for being cavalier when it comes to health and safety. Coming from a creative/administrative background, I was brought into the studio to elevate the creator's brand and install some administrative structure and processes--there were none. In addition to being psychologically unhealthy, the conditions turned out to be physically hazardous, with no safety precautions and many known cancer-causing resins and plastics being used, welding and metal work, aerosol paints, varnishes, adhesives, and even black mold from using some organic materials in the fabrication process.

I manage a team of 10-20 people that fluctuates from project to project in one large space with no windows, extraction hoods, or other ventilation. I brought my concerns and those of my co-workers to the business owner many times--which he brushed off, minimizing "I eat black mold for breakfast" or dumped off some HEPA filters from another work site in the middle of a monster deadline with no plan or help to install them (they needed a vent to the outside but there are no windows in the space). When I got a quote to install a ventilation hood, he ignored it. I gave my notice without new FT employment lined up because the job was damaging both my physical and mental health but have stayed on remotely to train the next person.

I've been in some PTSD fog about the whole situation (due to the constant demands at all hours, gaslighting, word salad, and lying) which began to clear when giving my notice, but some trusted advisors suggested I not return and file an OSHA complaint, seek some legal advice, then file for workman's comp and once the job ends, seek unemployment benefits.

Has anyone been through a similar situation? How did you protect yourself? What coping skills did you enlist to move on?

I am building my side hustle related to my 23-yr career into a business--and pretty optimistic about it--but need some healing around this. I am on the road to recovery and have some good support, but my head got pretty turned around by this situation.