You’re not overreacting; your safety concerns are valid. The World Health Organization reports that about 2 million people die each year from work-related causes.
According to the national labor code, every employee has the right to a secure work environment. What’s more, you are also entitled to compensation for mere exposure to danger in the workplace. While these laws may be helpful, navigating certain loopholes can be overwhelming without legal assistance.
If this subject interests you, chances are you didn’t just stumble upon it. You’re likely dealing with an employer who may be putting you in danger. Rest assured you will soon discover why seeking legal advice is crucial for dealing with workplace safety violations.
The Importance of Legal Advice
Millions risk chronic diseases, disabilities, or death every minute they spend working. The rate of preventable workplace deaths increased by 5% in 2022. Data implies that employers can avert many unfortunate events by prioritizing safety.
Unfortunately, many companies globally prioritize reducing operational costs over employee health and safety. Thus, wrestling workplace safety violations can be an uphill battle without legal backing. Here’s the importance of seeking legal guidance when facing these issues:
1. Education on Employer Responsibilities Regarding Occupational Safety
It is much easier to appreciate legal advice when you know your employer’s role in assuring your safety. You might know the popular occupational safety measures, but a workplace safety lawyer knows much more. Consider seeking legal counsel for proper education on these core rules.
Most regions globally have an agency that regulates companies to ensure safety practices. In the United States, The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) establishes and enforces guidelines for occupational safety.
According to these laws, employers must ensure safety by taking these measures:
- Constantly updating safety measures to ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations
- Plant enough safety or warning signs, including posters, paint markings, and signposts around the work environment
- Provide industry-standard safety equipment
- Service or replace safety equipment and ensure they are safe to use
- Ensure medical examinations of employees when mandated by workplace safety authorities
- Sensitize employees on the possible hazards peculiar to the workplace
- Direct workers on properly filing an anonymous complaint in case of occupational safety violation
2. Identifying Elusive Safety Violations
The line between healthy and harmful workplace practices today is thin. While some safety hazards are discouraged, others are gradually becoming the new “norm.” Further, unsafe workplace practices like working extremely long hours are “celebrated” and sometimes “rewarded.”
Thus, you might be a victim and not know it.
For this reason, it is crucial to hire a lawyer for workplace accidents. Through a lawyer’s vast knowledge of the labor code, you learn secret ways your life may be at risk.
3. Determining the Validity of Your Case
Some working conditions may make you uncomfortable. Consequently, you may mistake these situations for a safety violation and initiate a lawsuit. An attorney can determine whether you have a case by assessing your condition with the company.
First, a lawyer will seek to identify threats to health and safety at the office. If there is probable cause, they will establish a case on your behalf.
In addition, your lawyer will work out the best legal approach for a favorable outcome.
4. Safety Guideline Updates
Although binding, laws may go through amendments. You may never know these adjustments unless you’re in the legal system. Thus, working with a lawyer can be advantageous.
They can inform you of updates to safety guidelines and how they may affect you. Useful information can also help you take more practical measures to prevent legal battles with the company.
5. Proper Filing of Occupational Hazard Complaints
Filing a complaint against an employer can be a make-or-break situation for a worker’s role at the company. In some cases, it may affect their career going forward. Thus, you want to be careful that your quest for justice does not harm your career aspirations.
Seeking legal counsel would be the safest and most informed path. Upon assessing your case, a lawyer will help you file these complaints with the right agencies.
Besides protecting your career, filing legal complaints can be time-consuming, complex, and tedious. By filing these complaints for you, you have more time to focus on productivity.
6. Navigating Settlements and Compensation Outside the Courtroom
Compensation is the least you want if exposed to hazards or injury at work. Knowing you deserve compensation you probably want to avoid negative press and unwanted attention during this process. Workplace safety lawyers can help you manage or avert outside pressure throughout this procedure.
Settlement agreements can be tricky and extremely difficult to navigate on your own. It is advisable to seek legal assistance during this process. Attorneys can help employees or their families get fair compensation without courtroom drama.
7. Legal Representation
If your lawyer determines you have a valid case, they try to resolve matters outside the courtroom. If this attempt fails, going to court becomes the last resort. In this case, your best chance at getting justice would be to let them represent you.
Some lawyers specialize in workplace safety. With their courtroom experience and expertise, they can help you get justice for illnesses, injuries, or exposure to them.
Closing Statement
Employees are the spine of any organization and their most valuable resource. Unfortunately, not all employers value their assets.
The effects of occupational hazards can be more damaging than you think. From high-stress levels to sudden death, it can take its toll on both mental and physical health. Ignoring these hazards can also be a poor investment in your well-being. Companies have limited resources for legal troubles you can’t match fighting alone. You need legal counsel to get justice and protect your health investment. Get legal advice immediately.