The Role of Workplace Safety in Preventing Claims

It stands to reason that workplace safety measures aligned with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requirements help to prevent accidents and the resulting workers’ compensation claims. However, negligence occurs, sometimes with serious consequences. For example, a worker slips and falls because a spill is unmarked, sustaining back injuries. His claim runs to thousands of dollars. A 10-dollar sign and alert supervision could have prevented that. 

When accidents do happen, a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure injured workers receive the benefits they’re entitled to.

Workplace Safety is Good For Employers and Employees Alike

Employers, and even employees, sometimes become impatient with the demands inherent in maintaining a safe workplace. They may become careless, seeing risks as all in a day’s work, until a serious accident happens. 

Compliance with OSHA regulations can feel like a burden, but it benefits all concerned. The costs of unsafe workplaces can be high: lost productivity, legal exposure, loss of reputation, decreased employee morale, and higher claims are among these. Safety saves lives and prevents injuries. It should never be taken lightly. 

Common Workplace Safety Shortcomings That Lead to Claims

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents, including those involving plant, accounted for the highest number of fatal workplace injuries, followed by slips, trips, and falls. However, it is likely that failure to implement basic workplace safety principles, rather than the nature of accidents, points to the origin of workplace safety shortcomings. 

For example, a survey of industrial workers published in Risk and Insurance Magazine found that:

• 35% had been exposed to dangerous chemicals
• 42% were exposed to extreme temperatures
• 30% used outdated equipment
• 26% said that the equipment was not properly maintained
• 43% had reported a safety incident

A shocking 88% of the workers believed that incidents could have been avoided through improved workplace safety measures. 83% felt that their employers saw workplace safety measures as a box-checking exercise. Crucially, 54 percent said that better training could reduce workplace safety-related claims. 

If employees are injured due to such preventable hazards, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago can help them understand their rights and pursue the benefits they deserve.

Tips For Implementing Workplace Safety and Preventing Claims

If workers are injured on the job, they are entitled to compensation, and claims must be filed. The only way to reduce the number and frequency of claims is to maintain a safe workplace. Employers can do this by:

• Consulting and complying with the OSHA regulations relevant to their industry. 
• Conducting regular risk assessments and investigating near-misses.
• Addressing risks by removing them or mitigating them to the best of their ability.
• Undertaking regular maintenance of facilities, plant, and equipment. 
• Providing regular workplace safety training for all employees.
• Implementing effective supervision with an eye to safe work procedures and conditions.
• Calling regular meetings in which workers, safety reps, and supervisors are encouraged to raise safety concerns.
• Encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions and minor incidents.

Workplace safety is a top-down commitment, and every employee should feel involved and understand their role in maintaining the safest workplace possible. By working together and complying with safe work practices, everyone can contribute to a safer, healthier workplace.

Accidents Can Still Happen in Safe Workplaces, But Workers Are Protected

Workplace safety prevents claims due to accidents, promoting a safety-first culture, but accidents can still happen. Regardless of the situation, workers are protected if they are injured in the course of their duties. If you were injured and reported your accident promptly, your employer follows the process outlined in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Handbook, and your claim should be paid.

Workplace safety violations are immaterial to your claim since workers’ compensation in Chicago, Illinois, works under a no-fault system. Report any violations contributing to an accident to OSHA.

Sadly, many workers’ compensation claims become far more complex than they should be, making it difficult for workers to claim the compensation that is due to them. A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman can help you get your compensation and ensure you are not short-changed.