Workplace safety is a critical issue for every employee and employer, no matter the type of job or industry. When employees face exposure to unnecessary risks and safety threats, it naturally leads to a higher chance that preventable accidents will happen. One of the simplest ways to prevent these types of incidents is to remove hazards whenever possible.
Common workplace hazards, while rather simple to address, are the source of a significant number of workplace accidents. Pennsylvania workers who experience an injury at work are eligible for benefits through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
What hazards are in your workplace?
Sadly, many common workplace hazards are preventable with training and other measures. In some cases, it is possible to make inherent dangers less dangerous by training employees to use safety equipment, recognize hazards and mitigate issues. Some of the most common hazards found in workplaces include the following:
- Dangers associated working from heights
- Electrical hazards
- Unclean or cluttered work spaces and disorganization
- Ineffective lockout procedures
- Unsafe handling or storage of chemicals
- Forklifts
- Working in confined spaces
No matter the circumstances of your workplace accident, you could be eligible for benefits to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. Some workers fail to pursue rightful benefits because of intimidation from employers or the belief that the accident was their own fault, negating their right to compensation.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees do not face any unnecessary risks or threats to their safety while carrying out their job duties. If an unnecessary hazard caused your work accident, your employer cannot prevent you from pursuing benefits, filing a claim and knowing your rights. From the very beginning of the claims process, it could be beneficial to have an ally working on your behalf and fighting for the best possible outcome for you.
Your recovery is at stake
The insurance company does not have your best interests in mind, and your employer may not either. Regardless of the challenges you are facing after a work accident, you do not have to give up on your right to a full recovery. You have a rightful claim to benefits, and not only that, you have the right to an amount that is appropriate for your needs and your individual situation.
Your workplace injury may have turned your life upside down, but you have options. It is prudent to first seek a full understanding of your entitlements, which may include filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.