Every year, hundreds of workplace accidents in Pennsylvania result in injury, permanent disability and even death. Most of these incidents could have been prevented by observing safety guidelines and taking certain precautions even if it seems tedious or time-consuming. By taking precautions to stay safe, employees can protect themselves and their co-workers and ensure that they return home safely each day.
How can employees stay safe on the job?
One of the best ways employees can look out for themselves is to be aware of their surroundings. A seemingly minor hazard could quickly lead to a catastrophe. Workers should be on the lookout for potential safety hazards and eliminate them as quickly as possible. On a similar note, people should never take shortcuts on the job that might endanger their safety even if it’s the quickest and most convenient thing to do. It’s better to take the extra time than to get into an accident and regret it later.
While employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment, it’s the employee’s responsibility to stay up to date on the latest safety procedures. Additionally, workers should take regular breaks to prevent exhaustion and fatigue. If an employee is denied the chance to take a break and ends up injuring him or herself, that person may be liable for workers’ compensation benefits.
How to file a workers’ compensation claim
If someone believes that he or she is entitled to workers’ compensation, that individual may wish to hire an attorney. A lawyer may answer a person’s questions about workers’ compensation and help him or her figure out how to file and how much compensation to expect.
If an employer refuses to pay workers’ compensation benefits, an attorney may help his or her client launch a lawsuit against the company. A lawyer may also be able to help clients gather evidence of their injuries to strengthen their cases.