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Keeping Pennsylvania workers safe

by | Jun 30, 2020 | Workers' Compensation |

Most work-related injuries and illnesses are preventable, and Pennsylvania employers who follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s rules show that they care about the well-being of their employees. Here are some steps that employers can take to make sure their workers stay safe while on the job.

An annual review of workplace safety guidelines and precautions is a good way to remind employees about mandatory safety rules and regulations. The session could include safety training, inspections and informing employees of any facility changes. Employers should also make sure all of the organization’s machines are inspected on the due dates, even if they seem to be working well. These inspections could spot a potentially serious problem or hidden danger. Moreover, employers should provide their employees with the exact tools that are suited to the job and encourage employees to always use the right tool for the job. Using the wrong tool could result in injuries. For example, a ladder should never be used in place of a scaffold and vice versa. Employees who work in elevated areas need to be especially protected from falls, which could cause serious or fatal injuries.

Employees should also wear their safety equipment when needed. Sometimes, they may be inclined to remove the equipment because of hot and uncomfortable weather or because they may think they do not need it. Employers could help by making sure each employee’s personal protective equipment fits correctly to keep them safe as they work.

Whether or not an employer was negligent, on-the-job accidents resulting in serious injuries can still occur. Injured employees have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits that could cover their medical expenses and a portion of lost wages relating to their workplace injury. An attorney may help an injured employee understand how the state’s workers’ compensation claims process works and how to file the claim.

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