It is thought that complacency is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and job-related deaths. In order to increase safety and prevent more on-the-job injuries, Pennsylvania employers are striving to protect workers. Through more vigilance and an increased focus on safety and employee training, employers hope to decrease the number of injured workers in the state.
Reports estimate that the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania had 24,000 injuries just last year. Representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration state that site visits often reveal unnecessary hazards, which may be a reason for these high numbers. Many injuries are caused when maintenance work is done on a piece of equipment, after which the safety guards or other safety mechanisms are not properly replaced. Often, this oversight is simply the result of being busy or distracted.
There are many other risks commonly seen in the manufacturing field. However, employers are taking steps to increase safety and educate employees on how to have the safest workplace possible. When an on-the-job accident does occur, it is important for employees to understand how to file a workers’ compensation claim in order to get the recompense needed for a full recovery.
Employers should take every step possible to avoid on-the-job injuries. However employees should be fully aware of the procedures that follow an accident. After an accident, an injured worker could benefit from the assistance of a lawyer in order to get the full financial recovery that is needed for medical care and lost wages.
Source: readingeagle.com, “Companies work to help company employees stay safe”, Susan L. Pena, Sept 22, 2015