As a worker, regardless of what industry you work in, you are afforded the right to a safe and healthful workplace. Unfortunately, not all companies and employers meet certain safety and health standards legally required of them which results in workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. If you believe your employer is not meeting OSHA’s standards, it is critical to file a complaint to prevent future accidents and injuries from happening. If you are injured on the job due to an OSHA violation, you may be entitled to compensation. Continue to follow along to learn more about common OSHA violations and how an experienced Memphis Work Injury Lawyer can help you protect your rights.
What are OSHA violations?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency created to set and enforce health and safety standards as well as provide companies with training and education to protect workers’ rights. OSHA conducts inspections to ensure employers are meeting certain standards to maintain safe and healthful working conditions for their employees. If an OSHA violation is discovered, the company will receive a citation. They will have time to remedy hazardous work conditions. If they fail to correct the hazardous conditions they will be penalized with fines. Many workers are afraid to report unsafe or unhealthful working conditions because they fear they will be fired. However, it is illegal for a company to retaliate against a worker for exercising their right to a safe and healthful workplace. Moreover, it is critical to understand OSHA safety standards to ensure your rights are not violated. The most frequently cited violations include:
- Fall protection
- Ladders
- Scaffolding
- Hazardous communications
- Respiratory protection
- Eye and face protection
Depending on the specific field you work in, your employer must meet certain safety and health standards. Nevertheless, if you have filed a complaint with OSHA and believe your employer has retaliated against you in any way, you can file a retaliation complaint. However, it must be submitted within 30 days of the retaliation.
What should I do if I’m injured at work?
If you are injured as a result of your employer’s negligence for not meeting OSHA’s safety and health standards, it is imperative to take legal action to seek compensation for your damages. As mentioned above, as a worker, you have the right to a safe and healthful workplace. If a workplace injury or illness occurs, it is crucial to notify the appropriate parties. In addition, you should capture pictures of the hazardous conditions that caused the incident. You should also gather contact information from any witnesses as they can corroborate your claim. Ultimately, if you decide to pursue legal action these steps will help build a strong case against a negligent party.
In the unfortunate event that you sustain a workplace injury, it is in your immediate interest to retain the legal services of a proficient Memphis work injury lawyer. Our firm will work tirelessly to help you seek reasonable compensation for your losses. Allow our firm to fight on your behalf today!
