When you accept a job in any position, you are guaranteed work in a safe and healthy environment. This is true whether you work a traditional 9-5 in an office building or if you work overnight on a construction site. However, when safety standards are not met, they constitute OSHA violations. If this is the case and you are injured on the job, you may be able to recover compensation as a result. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with the most common safety conditions and discover how a San Angelo, Texas work injury lawyer can help you navigate this situation.
What Are OSHA Violations?
As a worker, your company must follow standards according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This federal agency has the power to visit and inspect all workplaces to ensure they are up to the standards. When a company or business is in violation of these standards, they may either receive a citation, which gives them time to fix the issue, or they will receive a fine. Penalties can range from thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars for repeat offenses.
What Are the Most Common Risks?
The most common OSHA violations that you may endure at a place of work include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fall protection: Employers must provide safe working conditions with dry, clean, and clutter-free floors. They must also provide adequate training and safety equipment free of charge to workers. Employers must also ensure all elevated walkways have the structural integrity necessary to support employees.
- Hazard communications: Those who work with chemicals and other hazardous materials must document the risks associated and are responsible for labeling and providing the necessary data surrounding the materials.
- Ladders: Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of injury for employees is improper ladder use. Whether employers try to modify the ladder against the manufacturer’s intentions or they do not provide the proper training to use a ladder safely, this is one of the leading OSHA violations.
What Can I Do if I Am Injured at Work?
If injured at work due to the negligence of another party, understanding what your legal options are is essential. The most crucial step to take is to report the injury to your shirt supervisor, boss, manager, or other authority as soon as possible. This is vital, as it ensures your company is aware that you suffered an injury. You should also take photos and videos of the incident scene, as this can be beneficial later on if you file a lawsuit.
Should you decide to take legal action, ensuring you contact a competent attorney from the Mathis Law Firm as soon as possible is essential to getting the compensation you deserve. Our dedicated legal team will carefully review all factors of your personal injury case to help you receive justice. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you through this challenging time.
