Falls are among the costliest injuries that employers in Connecticut can face. The victims may miss work for a month or longer, medical compensation costs can pile up, equipment is often damaged in the fall and co-workers might become less productive because of decreased morale. To keep their workers safe, employers should establish a fall prevention program.
OSHA says plan, provide and train
The three basic steps in a prevention program, according to OSHA, are planning, providing and training. Planning refers to the hazard assessment and other inspections that employees must conduct before starting a job. Providing refers to employers having all the right equipment and safety gear available.
For example, it matters a great deal what types of ladders workers use. Every ladder has a specific duty rating, or weight capacity, that must be taken into account. As for safety gear, everything from safety harnesses to goggles and gloves are all very important.
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Training should dissuade from negligence
Simply training workers on the right use of this safety gear and equipment is not enough. After all, if the atmosphere of the workplace, so to speak, is not safety-oriented, even trained employees may feel it’s fine to act negligently once in a while. They may rush through a job, work through their fatigue and take other risks.
Legal representation for injured employees
According to workers’ compensation rules, workers who suffer from an occupational injury or illness can be reimbursed for their losses, including all medical expenses and a percentage of lost income during their time of recovery. A lawyer can help you file your claim and any appeals if the employer chooses to deny the claim. The attorney may also help you weigh the pros and cons of opting for a full and final settlement.
