Being injured or falling ill because of work can be a very frightening occurrence for some. The fear of having to pay for unexpected medical bills, combined with the inability to earn wages, can be very stressful and thus become a detriment to your recovery. Fortunately for those who are injured at work, there are programs in place to take care of them. Understanding your rights might alleviate some of your fears regarding workplace accidents.
Under the OSH Act, employees have the right to safe working conditions, as well as conditions that prevent known dangers. These rights include training and information regarding hazards of the workplace, copies of tests done to measure hazards in the workplace and even reviewing documents about injuries and illnesses suffered on the job site. The OSH Act also governs the obligations of employers, including finding hazards and minimizing or eliminating them.
While OSHA and the OSH Act outline regulations for creating and maintaining a safe workplace, accidents are unpredictable by their very nature. Even the most thorough and diligent of workplaces can be host to terrible accidents, which is why workers’ compensation benefits are so important.
While no laws or acts can protect workers from unexpected accidents, there are benefits in place to assist employees who are injured in workplace accidents. Workers’ compensation benefits are extremely important for these workers, who can receive compensation for the injuries they suffer in unexpected accidents. The amount of compensation to which such workers are entitled is based on the severity of their injuries in New York, which is why enlisting the aid of an attorney is recommended. A legal adviser can help injured workers prove the extent of their injuries, allowing them to receive the compensation they need.
