Safety In The Workplace Is Everyone’s Responsibility
In a world where most people spend a significant portion of their lives at work, it is fundamental that our workplaces are sanctuaries of safety, not arenas of risk. No job should ever come at the expense of your health or your life.
Employers are legally obligated to comply with applicable federal, state, and sometimes local safety regulations designed to protect you. However, you are the frontline defender of your own well-being in the workplace. If you see a hazard or feel that your safety is compromised, it’s not just your right but your responsibility to speak up. Your life should never be the price of your livelihood.
We’re Committed To Workers’ Rights And Safety
Since opening our doors in 1992, Skibiel Law has stood as a pillar of strength and support for those injured on the job in Jonesboro, Atlanta and surrounding areas. With over $100 million recovered for our clients, our track record speaks to our dedication and expertise in the realm of workers’ compensation. Our firm has successfully advocated for thousands of people, earning numerous 5-star reviews from those we’ve had the honor to represent. We’re not just strong advocates; we are compassionate allies.
Failure To Provide Fall Protection Can Result In Georgia Workplace Injuries
Falls from heights are the leading cause of injury and death in construction. They result in hundreds of fatalities each year, according to OSHA. Fall injuries in workplace accidents are often preventable with proper fall protection.
OSHA Guidelines For Preventing Fall Injuries
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed three steps to keep workers safe:
- Plan: Before starting a job, consider whether ladders, scaffolds and roof work are necessary. Then, obtain suitable fall arrest systems.
- Provide: Workers more than six feet off the ground are at an increased risk of injury. Personal fall arrest systems can prevent accidents by providing a harness and anchor for each worker on a roof.
- Train: Anyone working high above the ground should receive proper training. OSHA provides numerous materials and resources when employers have questions.
Following these steps can reduce accidents. When your employer fails to take into account safety precautions, you can contact the agency and lodge a complaint.
Example Of A Serious Fall Protection Safety Violation
OSHA recently cited a Georgia builder for failing to provide adequate fall protections for its workers. The company builds metal and wooden outbuildings such as barns, carports and garages. OSHA conducted its inspection at the Augusta location because of a complaint. The agency discovered that the employees routinely worked higher than nine feet without any fall protection.
The agency issued several other citations for allowing workers to use unguarded grinders and saw blades, unsafe noise levels and failing to protect workers from welding rays. The total proposed fines were $89,000, underscoring the serious nature of the violations.
It was fortunate that no workers had yet suffered injury. The management response was that “they had not yet gotten around to providing fall protection” at the location. The admitted disregard for worker safety was startling.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage For Falls
Workers’ compensation medical benefits are usually available following a workplace fall injury. The benefits generally cover wage loss equal to two-thirds of your average weekly pay for up to 400 weeks. They also pay for the following:
- Visits to the doctor and necessary tests
- Physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments to aid recovery
- Surgery
- Medicines and medical equipment
Unfortunately, you cannot usually see your own doctor following an accident. Your employer will have a slate of available doctors and specialists.
Preventing Work-Related Back Injuries
For many Americans, their job requires them to sit for extended periods of time in the same location. As our reliance on computers has grown, the need for workers who perform their duties while sitting in front of a computer screen has also risen. Many employees spend their days typing on a computer or taking phone calls while seated at a desk.
Although most people associate work-related injuries with highly physical jobs – such as construction work – it turns out that office jobs result in many life-changing injuries as well.
According to a recent study, 1 out of 10 people around the world experience lower back pain. The researchers based their conclusions on the examination of information compiled in over 115 studies, completed in 47 countries across the globe. They found that not only are a large number of people suffering from back pain, but it is also the type of disability most responsible for “years lost due to disability.” This statistic includes both the years an individual lived with a disability and the years lost due to an individual dying prematurely.
Take Steps To Eliminate Your Back Pain
When a worker develops lower back pain due to consistently sitting at work, they can take some action to try to alleviate the pain.
First, workers should consider asking their employer for an ergonomic assessment, to determine whether the office environment could be improved. In some cases, simply finding a more supportive desk/chair can help eliminate some of the problems. For workers who spend a significant amount of time on the phone, a headset should be provided. For those who work primarily on a computer, experts should determine whether the monitor, mouse and keyboard are positioned properly.
In addition, workers should make efforts to get up and move around frequently throughout the day. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, adults should try to get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
If you suffer from back pain and making adjustments to your working environment has not solved the problem, you should see a medical professional. In some cases, individuals may require pain medication to treat the injury. In the worst cases, surgery may be necessary.
Let’s Work Together Toward A Safer Workplace
Don’t let a workplace injury define your future. By pursuing a workers’ comp claim, you can help make your workplace safer for everyone while also getting the financial compensation and medical coverage you deserve.
At Skibiel Law, your safety, health and recovery are at the heart of everything we do. Our experienced team is ready to navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation law. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are upheld and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 770-400-0963 to schedule your free consultation and join the ranks of those who have successfully secured their futures with our diligent advocacy.