Identifying a dangerous work environment
While some occupations are more hazardous than others, all workers deserve to feel safe while on the job. Owners, managers and supervisors alike have a duty to keep workers protected from harm no matter the job. It is not uncommon, however, for a job environment to become dangerous due to numerous factors. Injured employees are wise to pursue a workers’ compensation claim to help them avoid financial trouble in the future.
While some occupations are more hazardous than others, all workers deserve to feel safe while on the job. Owners, managers and supervisors alike have a duty to keep workers protected from harm no matter the job. It is not uncommon, however, for a job environment to become dangerous due to numerous factors. Injured employees are wise to pursue a workers’ compensation claim to help them avoid financial trouble in the future.
A work environment can become dangerous under three main categories.
Unsafe Surroundings
- Inadequate lighting
- Broken stairs
- Uneven flooring
- Improper storage of chemicals
- Improper warning signage
- Inadequate ventilation
Poor Training
- Failing to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that contain information regarding potential hazards and instructions on how to safely work with various materials
- Failing to provide proper training on handling dangerous materials
- Failing to properly train on equipment operation
Failure To Provide Safety Gear
- Protective goggles
- Ear protection
- Heavy gloves
- Leather aprons
Unfortunately, this is only a portion of the factors that might contribute to an unsafe work environment. Improper storage of materials – whether toxic or not – can lead to a collapse that might strike a worker. Inadequate ventilation can lead to respiratory problems due to the inhalation of particulate matter flooding the air from heavy machinery or the manufacturing process itself.
It is imperative that workers who feel unsafe speak up to protect themselves in a dangerous work environment.
Employer negligence can lead to a dangerous work environment – which can result in serious injuries. Any worker who was injured on the job due to the negligence or inattention of a supervisor should immediately discuss the situation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.