Most workers in Pennsylvania already know that they have certain rights at work regarding their safety. You deserve to work in a safe environment or, if hazards are an unavoidable part of the job, you should be provided with adequate training and safety equipment to protect you. Fortunately, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, exists to protect workers from unsafe working conditions.
OSHA has regulations that cover everything from ergonomics to emergency response. This means that they try to take into account any factors that could injure an employee even in jobs that may seem hazard-free at first. For example, if you work at a desk, you may not be aware that there are OSHA regulations in place which dictate an ergonomic standard for your employer to abide by. By ensuring office workers have chairs and desks at appropriate heights and with adequate support can reduce the chance of strains and other injuries.
In other work environments, OSHA covers matters such as chemical testing, storage and transport of hazardous materials and how to protect employees from exposure to dangerous biological agents. As this article on workplace safety explains, if you discover an OSHA violation in your place of work, you should report it promptly, particularly if your employer will not resolve the issue. He or she cannot legally retaliate against you for reporting such a problem.
Safety violations are a serious matter as they can result in severe injury to yourself and other workers. If this happens, you may want to file a claim for compensation. It is a lot to think about when you are focusing on your recovery, but a successful claim may help you handle some of your medical expenses. An attorney can advise you on your options and may be able to guide you through the legal process.
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