What Is OSHA and Why Does It Matter to Workers?
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Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Milwaukee, WI
In 1970, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in an effort to help keep Americans workers safe while on the job, as workers’ compensation lawyers Milwaukee, WI trusts can explain. As part of the implementation of that legislation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was formed. This government agency is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. Its mission, at its most basic, is to ensure that American workers remain safe and healthy while on the job.
Because OSHA is tasked with the creation and enforcement of workplace safety standards, as well as education, training, assistance and outreach related to its broader mission, this government agency is a particularly influential one.
What If My Workplace Is Unsafe?
Americans concerned about potentially unsafe working conditions may contact OSHA to request a confidential inspection. This is an especially helpful option for workers who fear retaliation if they bring their concerns up with their employer. In order to request a confidential inspection, you may file a complaint on OSHA’s website. You may also file a complaint over the phone, through the postal mail or via fax. OSHA makes it very easy to communicate about potentially hazardous workplaces in this way.
It is important to understand that you do not need to choose between your job and your health. If your workplace is so hazardous that you are risking death or serious physical harm during the course of your employment, please consider reaching out to workers’ compensation lawyers in Milwaukee, WI until OSHA can inspect your workplace. You may be entitled to exercise a legal right to refuse to work under the conditions you are being subjected to. In addition, if you have already suffered retaliation for bringing up your concerns about workplace safety, you may benefit from filing a whistleblower complaint.
Does OSHA Handle Injured Worker Claims?
When an individual is injured on the job, that is certainly an event OSHA is concerned with. However, OSHA’s reach does not extend to handling individual injured worker claims. Most workers are eligible for workers’ compensation in the event that they sustain injury on the job. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. For example, contractors are not usually covered by workers’ compensation laws. If you have been injured on the job, it is generally a good idea to speak with workers’ compensation lawyers in Milwaukee, WI about your situation. You may be eligible for benefits or you may be able to file a personal injury suit. An experienced attorney will be able to advise you of your legal options as dictated by the specifics of your situation.
If You Have Additional Questions
Worker safety is not an insignificant issue. All of the good that workers do is rooted in having safe environments in which to do their jobs. If you are concerned about unsafe aspects of your working environment or you have been either injured or made ill on the job, please consider reaching out to an experienced Milwaukee, WI workers’ compensation attorney. Attorneys who focus on this kind of claim are familiar with worker safety regulations and workers’ compensation claim processes, so they will be able to answer your questions and advise you of any legal options that may be available to you.
Call workers’ compensation lawyers Milwaukee, WI relies on from Hickey & Turim, S.C. today.
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