When you go to work each day you should have a certain level of expectation that your employer has taken the necessary steps to keep you and your co-workers safe while on the job. This may not always be the case. In some cases a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim may arise out of an employer's inability to put the right processes in place to keep her/his employees free from harm. Needless to say, this is a troubling situation that should be rectified.
It is not your responsibility to keep your workplace free from dangers, it truly is the responsibility of your employer. However, as an employee who cares about your own safety and that of your co-workers you may at times find it necessary to take your safety into your own hands. For some workers this can be difficult, but it is important if it will play a role in saving you or your co-workers from an injury or worse and wrongful death situation.
Taking your own safety at work into your own hands can come in a number of different forms. First, one of the easiest and best things you can do is make sure you are following all of the safety procedures and protocols that have been set out by your employer or a regulating government agency. If you are unsure what these procedures are you should speak with someone who is familiar with them so you can make sure to better understand them. Making sure you are following all of the rules and regulations is a good first step in keeping yourself safe at work.
Second, if there are gaps in the procedures that you notice while doing your job, speak up. Let’s say for instance there is an area of the warehouse where things have been known to fall from high above and you think it makes sense that employees in that section of the warehouse wear hard hats, make that suggestion. You should start with your immediate supervisor but if need be, run it up the ladder further so you can make sure you get the safety equipment or procedures that you need to keep yourself and your co-workers safe.
Third, and as a last resort, if your employer is unresponsive to your concerns about workplace safety you can file a complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) who may begin an investigation into the working conditions at your facility. While this is not something that will protect your safety immediately, it will allow you to put the wheels in motion so your employer is forced to make changes. You can report your employer with protections under the law so there will be no ramifications or retaliation against you at work.
When you’re working in an environment with safety concerns each and every day it can be nerve racking to go to work, but with these steps you can protect yourself against getting injured and having to file a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim. However, if you do get injured you should not hesitate to report it to your supervisor and file a claim because you are entitled to this compensation under the law.
If you find yourself in a situation like this or one that is similar you may need to speak with an attorney. Our board certified attorneys have experience with all different kinds of workers’ compensation cases and they may be able to work with you to protect your long-term interests.
