Workers’ compensation is designed to assist employees who have been injured on the job. Unfortunately, some employers may operate a dangerous workplace—one where you’re more likely to get injured while working.
While many workplace injuries are relatively minor, some injuries can result in lifelong medical conditions or even loss of life. If you or a loved one was hurt on the job, filing a workers’ compensation claim can help defray some of the expensive medical bills and lost wages.
Ideally, you won’t get hurt at all. Watching out for the signs of a dangerous workplace can help you decide whether to move on to other employment.
Here are some of the signs that your workplace may be hazardous:
- Inadequate safety training: An employer is responsible for teaching employees how to use equipment and hazardous materials. Even if your job doesn’t involve inherently dangerous activities, general safety training is still important. For example, if your work involves lifting heavy objects, you should learn how to do so safely. Failure to provide proper safety training can increase the risk of injury.
- Lack of safety gear: If your work duties involve a higher risk of harm, you need appropriate safety gear. Goggles, helmets, gloves and high-visibility clothing are just some of the items you may need at work. When an employer fails to provide these, know that there’s a heightened risk involved.
- Your coworkers have been injured: Are coworkers frequently injured at work, even when they appear to be following proper safety protocols? This is a red flag. When frequent injuries or illnesses occur, that’s a sign that you should consider moving on to a safer workplace.
- You’ve developed an illness: Workplace illnesses can be covered by workers’ compensation benefits. If your health has suffered since you joined the company, your job may be to blame. This could be due to unsafe buildings, exposure to toxic chemicals or other work-related reasons.
- Unsafe equipment: Finally, take a look at the equipment at work—especially if you work with heavy machinery, vehicles or other risks for serious harm. If the equipment is poorly maintained or broken, you’re more likely to be injured on the job.
Granted, not everyone can switch jobs that easily. Sometimes jobs that appeared safe at first can decline over time. If you’re injured at work, file a workers’ compensation claim. Tell your attorney if you’ve noticed any of the above signs, and let them fight for you.
When you need help filing your workers’ compensation claim, contact Nager, Romaine, & Schneiberg Co. L.P.A. today.
