When an Ohio employee goes to work, he or she has the right to a reasonable expectation of safety in the workplace. It is the responsibility of each employer to provide tools and training to keep people safe, and it is also crucial to develop a culture of safety. Your boss should be working diligently to make sure you have everything you need to do your job well and without an increased risk of injury.
There are specific things employers can do that will develop a culture of safety, improve standards and reduce workplace accidents. However, accidents can still happen in even the safest of workplaces. In addition to your right to a safe place to work, you also have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits in the event of an on-the-job injury or sickness that develops because of your job.
Steps to work safety
Every workplace is different, and each workplace will have different needs regarding safety. Whether you work at a desk, on a construction site or in a classroom, there are clear ways an employer can enforce standards and make things better for workers. Some of these steps include:
- Provide safety training that is specifically suited for the type of work done at your place of business.
- Reward employees for adhering to safety standards, making smart decisions and going periods of time without accidents.
- Keep things clean and free of debris to make things safer and reduce the chance of an accident.
- Implement safety standards and procedures and enforce the expectation that everyone will adhere to them.
- Update standards, inform employees on changes and have regular meetings regarding safety in the workplace.
Even a few simple updates and changes can improve things in your workplace. Another important thing for employers to do is inform workers on how to file for workers’ compensation in case of an injury or occupational illness.
Your rights as a worker
If you have questions about your right to safety in the workplace or what to do with a workers’ compensation claim, you may find it helpful to discuss your concerns with an experienced attorney. An assessment of your case can help you understand the options available to you and provide you with the information you need to move forward with the most appropriate course of action.