In August, OSHA Focuses On Preventing Work-Related Injuries

On-the-job accidents and injuries can happen to anyone. While some jobs present more obvious dangers, workers in any occupation may be at risk for injuries which can have long term impacts on their health and financial security. When this happens, workers’ compensation benefits can help offset your costs. During the month of August, federal agencies are focused on preventing work-related injuries and accidents from occurring while decreasing the amounts employers are required to pay.

Encouraging Safety In The Workplace

Over the course of August, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be focusing on preventing work-related injuries with an annual campaign called Safe + Sound. As the leading federal agency in charge of ensuring safety in the workplace, the goal is to encourage programs that eliminate job hazards and prevent work-related accidents and injuries.

The Safe + Sound program involves providing resources and materials to employers to share with their employees. Suggestions include:

• Make health and safety a priority. OSHA urges employers to focus on health and safety as a means of protecting workers while increasing productivity and reducing costs.

• Develop clear reporting systems. Employees and their supervisors should be encouraged to report hazards and potentially dangerous conditions in the workplace so that they can be addressed.

• Provide proper training. Employers who receive thorough training on the job are less likely to make mistakes resulting in accidents and injuries.

• Conduct routine inspections. While OSHA conducts its official safety inspections annually, they encourage employers to routinely monitor themselves.

Thus far, over 30 companies throughout South Carolina have signed up to participate in the Safe + Sound program. Unfortunately, that still leaves hundreds of companies and thousands of workers without these protections.

Protecting Yourself On The Job

Regardless of whether or not your employer participates in Safe + Sound, they are still required by OSHA to maintain certain safety standards and clear reporting guidelines for when accidents and injuries occur. You can protect yourself by doing the following.

• Get clear instructions on your job duties and make sure you have the proper training;

• Request information regarding potential safety hazards that may exist;

• Be vigilant in using safety equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and goggles;

• Report any dangerous conditions immediately to your supervisor;

• Report any accidents or injuries and make sure a report is filed;

• Request medical attention for any injuries that occur, regardless of the severity;

• Follow all of your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment, follow up care, and activity restrictions;

• Be aware of your rights regarding South Carolina workers’ compensation benefits;

• Follow up with your employer to ensure your workers’ compensation claim is properly filed.

Let Us Help You Today

Workers’ compensation benefits can help offset the lost wages and medical expenses you suffer when on-the-job accidents and injuries occur. At Surasky Law Firm, LLC., we can answer all of your questions regarding these benefits while acting as a strong ally when filing a claim. Contact our Aiken workers’ compensation attorney today to discuss how we can assist you.