The law protects those injured at the workplace

March 29, 2014

The law protects those injured at the workplace

Article provided by The Bainbridge Firm LLC
Visit us at http://www.bainbridgefirm.com

In January 2012, a customer service employee for Ohio Bell went out in the piercing cold and snow to check his truck. In doing so, the worker slipped on black ice and was immediately injured on the job.

The problem was that the snow disguised the black ice, which was present on the surface of the ground. When the employee slipped, he reached out to brace his fall with his truck; however, he inevitably sprained his shoulder in the matter. Shortly after the workplace accident, the man reported the fall to his supervisor and to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

One month after the employer, Ohio Bell, investigated the accident, the man was suspended from work for one day without pay. This is just one example of how this company, and other businesses, unlawfully treat employees that have been injured on the job -- especially in industries where safety and health is a serious concern.

Fortunately, federal work safety agencies, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and OSHA are documenting new rules to protect "whistleblowers" who report safety issues or workplace injuries. The point is to encourage workplace safety reporting and discourage employers from reprimanding employees for bringing forward issues. As the law stands, it is already illegal for employers to discipline or carryout an adverse action toward employees who report injuries.

In the Ohio Bell matter, the employer blamed the employee, noting that the worker had violated job safety standards -- especially concerning ladders. However, legal documents suggest that the company, in fact, had no safety rules for employees working around ladders.

Unfortunately, Ohio Bell has developed a reputation for suspending employees who report safety concerns -- usually without pay. In the end, when employers discourage employees from reporting work mishaps and injuries, this, in turn, increases the likelihood of workplace accidents in the future. As a result, safety agencies will continue to make strong efforts to prevent retaliation when it comes to safety issues at the workplace.

If you have been injured on the job in Ohio, know that the law has your back. Workplace accidents occur all of the time. Generally, the law is in favor of the employee, and there are benefits, such as workers' compensation, which can help.

Do not be afraid to bring forward your claim for benefits. To ensure the utmost legal protection after a workplace accident, it may help to retain a workers' compensation injury lawyer.