For many Massachusetts residents, much of their day is spent at work. Regardless of one’s profession, certain dangers are posed. With this in mind, our local, state and federal governments have implemented laws and regulations in an attempt to ensure workplace safety. However, when employers fail to adhere to these rules, serious injuries and death can result. When workers suffer a workplace injury, they may be able to recover workers’ compensation.
The first step, however, is simply knowing your rights as a worker. Amongst those rights are the right to be trained in a language you understand. Also, the machines on which an individual works should be safe, and every employee should be given proper safety gear, such as goggles, gloves or harnesses. Every worker also has the right to contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to file a complaint against their employer.
Workers also have the right to access certain records. Amongst those are accident logs and other reports related to workplace injuries or illnesses. If hazards are alleged in the workplace, then a worker has the right to request results from any tests that may have been conducted. By standing up for these rights, Massachusetts workers can better ensure that they are treated appropriately and are compensated accordingly if they are injured on the job.
When an individual seeks workers’ compensation issues can arise. A claim may be challenged or denied, or merely proving that the injurious accident occurred while in the course of employment can be difficult. Getting more information about the process can be helpful.
Source: OSHA, “Know Your Rights,” accessed on March 11, 2016
