Construction workers engage in several activities that expose them to hazards. As such, the employer must ensure a healthy and safe working environment. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, construction workers are protected under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. So, it’s important for construction workers to know their rights and to report when an employer is violating their rights. Employers who violate the OSH act can get fined or even jail time depending on the severity of the hazard and negligence of the employer. Below we discuss how the OSH protects workers.
Negligence and Unsafe Working Conditions
Accidents happen at construction sites, sometimes due to the negligence of the employer or generally unsafe working conditions. If you or a colleague gets to take the blame for such an event, you might want to consider hiring a wrongful conviction attorney. The federal law entitles construction workers to a safe workplace. So, if your employer does not provide a workplace that is free from known health and safety hazards, you have the right to speak up about these hazards.
Construction workers also have the right to speak up about any negligence of their employer or unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation. You can request for an OSH inspection or to speak with an inspector about unsafe working conditions of the construction site. The construction site must be protected from toxic chemicals, and employers are required to receive personal protection safety equipment.
OSH Safety Regulations
Most states in the United States have adopted safety regulations laws under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to protect their construction workers. Violation of the OSH Act causing personal injury can lead to a lawsuit. The OSH safety regulations cover everything from protective equipment to procedures for handling hazardous materials.
If the construction company or subcontractor fails to follow the OSH regulations, it can be strong evidence of negligence which can be a key aspect in a personal injury claim. So, getting the OSH involved in any workplace accident can be helpful. Their findings from an investigation into serious accidents can be crucial in your legal claim.
Accidents and Injury
Construction site accidents and injuries happen more often than most people think. As such, construction employers must have a health insurance plan for all their employees that pays for their health bills in case of injuries sustained during any working gig. Construction employers must have a response plan to handle workplace injuries and illnesses, as well as train their employees to follow it. Ensure that whatever accident and injury plans you come up with comply with the regulations set by OSH.
In addition, having necessary forms such as medical treatment consent forms, and incident report forms handy as job-related injuries come with a set of insurance and legal-related responsibilities. When an incident happens, no matter how severe, employers should never try to cover up the story. Rather, employers should report the incident to relevant authorities and take proactive steps to ensure it does not reoccur.
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