Workplace Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights regarding workplace safety as an employee?
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety in most settings. If you're not sure if OSHA covers your workplace, contact your regional OSHA office. OSHA provides that you have the right to be trained by your employer regarding workplace hazards and safety, to ask your employer for OSHA information regarding injuries, illnesses and workplace hazards, to ask that your employer correct any hazards or OSHA violations, to be involved in and get the results of an OSHA inspection, and to file a discrimination complaint if you've been punished by your employer for doing any of these things.
What are my responsibilities regarding workplace safety as an employee?
If your employer is regulated by OSHA, you must read the OSHA poster in your workplace. You must follow all the regulations your employer has regarding safety practices, gear and equipment. You should report all hazardous conditions to your employer and, if your employer does not take care of them, you should report such conditions to OSHA.
Can I be punished or discriminated against for exercising my rights?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act and other laws protect workers who complain to their employer, union, OSHA or other government agencies about unsafe or unhealthful conditions, including environmental problems. You cannot be transferred, denied a raise, have your hours reduced or be fired as a result of a health and safety action. Complaints about discrimination must be filed as soon as possible-within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints.
What are my responsibilities regarding workplace safety as an employer?
To provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and comply with OSHA rules and standards; to minimize or reduce hazards and make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment; to establish and update operating procedures and communicate them so that employees follow safety and health requirements; keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses; post, at a prominent location, the OSHA poster informing employees of their rights and responsibilities; not discriminate against employees who exercise their rights under the Act; post OSHA citations at or near the work area involved; correct cited violations by the deadline set in the OSHA citation.
What should I do if I always feel sick at work, but feel fine when I leave work?
This may be "work-related asthma." There may be contaminants in your workplace that are causing you to cough and have trouble breathing. This frequently occurs in workplaces where employees are exposed to chemicals, paint, strong cleaners, and fine dusts and mists like saw dust and flour.
What is work-place stress?
Stress is the way you respond to certain intense situations at work. Stress can have all kinds of effects on your body ranging from tension in your muscles, and higher blood pressure to depressing your immune system. It may keep you from sleeping at night and this can affect all aspects of your life including attentiveness while driving and at work. You should see your physician regarding the best way to cope with your individual symptoms. One of the most common ways to combat stress is through regular exercise.
What are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive Stress Injuries are a family of injuries caused by a worker repeating the same motion over and over again in the course of his or her job. Examples of jobs which can cause these injuries include, but are not limited to, those requiring continuous typing on a computer, a machine operator, and a cashier.
How many people are impacted by Repetitive Stress Injuries?
It is estimated that 1.8 million work-related injuries of this type are reported annually. In fact, there may be twice as many injuries that go unreported because workers fear being punished by their employer for speaking up about their injury. An estimated one-third of all Workers' Compensation costs are related to injuries of this kind.
Is anyone more likely to be susceptible to Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Women seem to be more likely to suffer from Repetitive Stress Injuries. The main reason for this is that most equipment and machines are designed for the larger male body and strength. Also, women seem to be in jobs that require more repetition like computer work and care giving.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
It is the most frequently reported Repetitive Stress Injury. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include numbness and tingling in your hands and wrists, and pain that can extend up your arm to your shoulder.
What is the cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Repetitive motions of your arms and hands can cause swelling in your wrists. This swelling squeezes the nerve that runs through the middle of your wrist. When this nerve gets squeezed, it causes numbness and tingling.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treated?
There are many ways to treat it ranging from wrist braces and pain-killing medications to surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Should I contact an attorney if I have been injured at work?
Perhaps. It may be important for you to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Only a licensed attorney can evaluate whether you have a case that is worth pursuing. Keep in mind however that there may be time limits (Statute of Limitations) which affect your ability to sue.
How much does an attorney evaluation cost in these types of cases?
Nothing! Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. If a participating attorney agrees to handle your case, you will owe no fees or other costs unless that attorney recovers money for you.
How do I submit my case for a free evaluation?
Simply click on the free Ask an Attorney button and complete the online intake form. An attorney will evaluate your case and respond to you via email.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
More ...
- United States Navy Loses $5 Million Wrongful Death Verdict
- Bank Teller Wins $26.9 Million Personal-Injury Judgment
- McWane Inc.
.