The Workers Lab is working on a new app that makes reporting OSHA violations much simpler. The app doesn’t have a name yet but is being built by SeeClickFix, a civic technology company that has changed the game in reporting and resolving community issues. The SeeClickFix app allows regular citizens to report problems that need fixed to the appropriate local government officials. So far it has had nearly 2.5 million complaints filed. While this may appear to be a good thing, there is a high possibility of the tool being taken advantage of. Think “bad apple” employees who have an axe to grind with management. Or avid union supporters who would use it to pressure the company into encouraging or embracing organizing activity. The worst potential side effect is that this app will likely increase the distance between leaders and those they lead. After all, taking a couple pictures and sending them through an app on your phone is easier than talking to a manager, especially if he or she isn’t very approachable.
