Why is it so Important that Employees are Trained Properly?

Far too many people are hurt while on the job. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that there are more than four million work-related injuries in the U.S. each year. It is imperative that employers make a proactive effort to reduce the risk. Training can make the difference. Below, our Chambersburg workers’ comp lawyer highlights the importance of worker training in Pennsylvania.

Workplace Safety Training Can Help to Reduce the Risk of Bad Accidents

Here is the key takeaway: Workplace safety training can help reduce the risk of accidents. That means that there are fewer serious injuries reported at worksites where employees have been trained the right way. Workers deserve the proper training. Employers in Pennsylvania have a responsibility to put an emphasis on workplace safety training.

Proper Workplace Safety Training Helps to Prevent Machinery/Equipment Accidents

Many of the most devastating workplace injuries occur because employees are not adequately trained on machinery or heavy equipment. Under 29 C.F.R. § 1910.147 and related OSHA standards, employers must ensure workers are properly instructed in lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding, and emergency shutdown. Even a brief lapse in training can lead to catastrophic injuries. Employers are required to provide training in a language and format that workers can understand. To be clear, that requirement applies to both initial instruction and periodic refresher courses. When employers fail to train properly, they can be held liable for an OSHA violation.

Employees Must Understand Safety Policies and Procedures

Training goes far beyond operating equipment. Workers also need to understand the company’s safety policies, emergency protocols, and accident reporting requirements. Inadequate policy training leads to confusion during emergencies and can make injuries worse. For example, a worker who does not know how to report a near-miss or malfunction may unknowingly allow a hazard to continue. Simple training can make a huge difference for workplace safety.

OSHA and State Regulators Require Continuous Education

Both OSHA and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry stress that training is not a one-time event. As workplace technology evolves, employers must provide updated instruction to reflect new equipment, hazards, or regulatory changes. Workers should also receive specialized training when their roles or job sites change. Consistent education protects employees and reduces the frequency of workplace injuries. For workers in Chambersburg, Gettysburg, and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proper training is the foundation of a safe job environment.

Note: Pennsylvania is a no-fault workers’ comp state. If you were hurt on the job, you have a right to file for benefits. Even if you received adequate training, you are still eligible for workers’ comp.

Call Our Chambersburg, PA, Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Chambersburg workers’ compensation lawyers put clients first. If you have any questions about workplace safety, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. From our Chambersburg law office, we handle work injury cases across Pennsylvania.