How to Secure Your Workers’ Compensation Rights After an Industrial Accident
Industrial jobs require constant attention to safety to prevent serious workplace injuries. But despite the recognized need for safety procedures, every year hundreds of manufacturing workers are severely injured in accidents that could have been avoided.
Cause and Effect of Industrial Accidents
Temperamental machinery, toxic chemicals, a dangerously high-paced work environment, and a host of other hazards are common in the industrial workplace. These threats guarantee that industrial workers are exposed to a variety of hazards. In order to understand your risks and rights, there are three things you need to know about these types of accidents: their common causes, the types of injuries commonly sustained, and their long-term effects.
The majority of industrial accidents are generally caused by either unsafe conditions or human error. Industrial work relies on the balance between controlled manpower, properly maintained work environments, and competent material (machinery, chemicals, etc.) use. Unfortunately, failure to met these three requirements puts workers at the risk for injuries caused by:
- Fatigue. Inadequate sleep and failing to take proper rest breaks can lead to inattention and injuries.
- Trips and falls. Slips, trips, and falls are a major cause of workplace injuries. Falls on slippery floors or tumbles off ladders can easily cause back injuries, head trauma, and other injuries that cause permanent disability.
- Workplace violence. Hundreds of employees are injured and killed each year due to violent acts in the workplace.
- Improper use of hazardous materials. Employees whose jobs require handling industrial solvents or toxic substances should make sure they are protected by personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow proper protocol to avoid injury and work-related illness.
- Stress. More and more employees are reporting injuries caused by stress on the workplace, including heart attacks, depression, fatigue, and physiological disorders.
When you succumb to one of these hazards and are severely injured as a result, you may be eligible for benefits. Unfortunately, some employers may not see it that way. However, an experienced workers’ comp lawyer like local attorney Steve Lee can help you convince balky employers otherwise. After all, as an employee, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.
Your Rights for Workers’ Compensation
No matter what your employer may say, Texas workers’ compensation can provide a recovery for injured workers or, when needed, their surviving family members. Your employer has the responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. When he fails to do, he is guilty of neglect. Employer negligence can fall under several categories including failure to adequately train employees, provide proper safety equipment, or follow OSHA regulated safety measures. If you feel that your injuries were a direct result of employer negligence, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim.
For more information on workers’ compensation claims, follow us on Facebook for periodic updates. You can also browse our thoroughly resourceful library of articles for a deeper insight into your rights and claim options. Allow us to provide you with the education and information you need to pursue a strong personal injury compensation claim. Read our article, “Workers’ Compensation for Industrial Accidents,” to get started.