Pennsylvania workers may be more prone to workplace accidents due to the industrial nature of many employment locations throughout the state. There are generally two approaches to workplace safety: proactive and reactionary.
In a proactive approach, employers take into consideration the needs of their employees and factor in this information when managing the business. New workers are trained on equipment and instructed on how to operate a machine by someone more experienced in this realm. Workers then provide input into how the workplace can be safer. Employees may help motivate other workers to follow safety procedures, report unsafe working conditions and hold every member of the team at every level accountable. Safety groups may be formed with occasional safety meetings conducted in front of the entire workforce. With these proactive approaches, the number of claims related to workers’ compensation may be decreased since everyone is playing an active role and everyone is vested in the continued safety of the workforce.
In workplaces that have a reactionary approach to workplace safety, many of the same steps may be followed. However, the key difference is that such changes may not occur until after a major catastrophe affects the business or a significant amount of workers’ compensation benefits are paid out. Employers may cut corners when it comes to safety, such as keeping dangerous equipment on hand and not providing safety training. This type of workplace may pay more in the long run due to a larger number of workplace safety citations and workers’ compensation claims.
Individuals hurt at work may choose to contact a lawyer to learn about their rights and obtain help pursuing compensation for these injuries. A lawyer may explain the injured workers’ rights to them.
