Can I get PA UC benefits if I quit due to unsafe working conditions (no fire sprinklers)?

Yes, you might qualify under what PA UC calls a 'necessitous and compelling reason' to quit. Safety hazards definitely can qualify! But document EVERYTHING before quitting. Send emails to management about the safety concerns, keep copies of those communications, note dates of verbal discussions, get something in writing from the fire monitoring company if possible. PA will want proof that 1) a genuine safety hazard existed, 2) you brought it to management's attention and gave them reasonable time to fix it, and 3) quitting was your only reasonable option. Also file a complaint with OSHA before quitting - this strengthens your case tremendously.

omg that is SO dangerous!!!! i wouldnt even go to work there another day tbh, what if theres a fire??? but make sure u have another job lined up first, UC takes FOREVER to get approved these days

I'm dealing with something similar at my factory job (faulty emergency exits). I contacted PA Dept of Labor & Industry AND filed an OSHA complaint. The OSHA route got fastest action. For UC, you need to prove you tried to preserve your employment before quitting. So send a formal email stating your concerns and that you'll need to resign if it's not addressed within X days for your own safety. In my case, I got approved for benefits, but it took 8 weeks with an appeal hearing where I showed all my documentation. The hearing ref specifically mentioned that my OSHA complaint helped prove I wasn't just making up reasons to quit.

Just call the fire marshall anonymously & let them handle it. Why quit a good job??

I'm a former UC claims examiner. This falls under Section 402(b) of the PA UC Law - voluntary quit with necessitous and compelling reason. Safety hazards can qualify, BUT you need to follow these exact steps: 1. Report the hazard to OSHA and the Fire Marshal immediately (paper trail is crucial) 2. Notify management in writing of the safety issue and give them a reasonable timeframe to fix it 3. If they don't fix it, explain in writing that you must resign due to the safety hazard During your UC interview, emphasize that you had no alternative but to quit for your safety and the safety of others. Expect the employer to fight your claim. Be prepared for an appeal hearing. Bring all documentation. Success rates are much higher when you have official safety complaints filed before quitting. One last thing - if you're offered a determination interview by phone, TAKE IT. Don't miss that call or you'll likely be denied automatically.

Update: Thank you all for your advice! I filed an OSHA complaint yesterday and also emailed upper management with a formal notice giving them 10 days to address the fire system issue. I also contacted the Fire Marshal who is planning an inspection next week. I'm documenting everything carefully in case I need to quit and file for UC. I'll keep you posted on what happens.

my cousin works for the fire dept and says hotels can get shut down for this!!! u might not even have a job soon if they get inspected lol

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, if the Fire Marshal closes the hotel and you're laid off as a result, that would be considered a lack of work situation, which is much more straightforward for UC benefits. You wouldn't have the burden of proving good cause for quitting since you didn't quit. However, if you're in management, make sure you document that you reported the issue and weren't responsible for the non-compliance, as that could potentially affect eligibility if you were deemed to have control over the situation that led to the closure.

I went through something similar last year when my warehouse had blocked emergency exits. A few things to add to the great advice already given: 1) Take photos of the non-functioning fire sprinkler system and any related documentation if you can safely do so - visual evidence is powerful in UC hearings. 2) If you have coworkers who are also concerned, see if they'll provide written statements about the safety issue. 3) Keep a daily log of any safety incidents or near-misses that occur while the system is down. The more documentation you have showing this is an ongoing, serious hazard, the stronger your UC case will be. Also, PA UC benefits have been taking 4-6 weeks to process even straightforward claims lately, so make sure you have some savings to tide you over if you do quit. Good luck and stay safe!

As someone who's helped colleagues through the UC process, I want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned yet: make sure you understand PA's "suitable work" requirements if you do get approved for benefits. Since you're in management, UC might expect you to accept management-level positions during your job search, not just any hospitality job. This could affect your benefit duration if you turn down offers they consider "suitable." Also, given that you've been in this role for 2 years, you should qualify for the maximum 26 weeks of benefits if approved. One more practical tip: start gathering your employment documents now (pay stubs, W-2s, etc.) because you'll need them for your UC application, and if the hotel does get shut down by the Fire Marshal, it might be harder to get those documents later. The fact that you're taking all the right steps with OSHA and documentation puts you in a strong position either way this resolves.