Most workers in New York know that their employers are obligated to provide a safe work environment, free from any foreseeable dangers that could cause injuries. However, what some people may not know is that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration — otherwise known as OSHA — can conduct worksite inspections to make sure that workplaces are not in violation of certain safety rules. The wiser move is for employers to conduct their own inspections.
In fact, according to a recent article, OSHA regulations now require employers to conduct inspections of certain areas in the workplace, specifically the surfaces on which workers will be walking or working. This is a broad new rule that covers many different areas in many different workplaces, such as floors, stairways, ladders and platforms, among many others. These inspections must occur regularly.
While OSHA investigations that occur after a workplace injury accident are helpful in determining what went wrong and then holding the employer accountable, it is better to avoid workplace accidents altogether. New York workers who are injured on the job can face days or weeks of difficult medical treatment and recovery, all the while unable to earn wages to support their families. That is where workers’ compensation comes into play.
Workers who are injured on the job may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These financial benefits can make a huge difference to someone who is looking at all possible avenues to support themselves when they are unable to return to work due to an injury.
Source: bizjournals.com, “New OSHA rule underscores importance of inspections,” Jennifer Stroschein, Feb. 10, 2017