Pennsylvania Workers and Employer Responsibility to Provide a Safe Environment
When people go to work, they are doing so with the assumption that they will be entering and working in a safe environment, and both employers and workers have important roles to play in maintaining workplace safety. For starters, in the state of Pennsylvania employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy environment for their customers and employees. In turn, all workers must adhere to the safety guidelines of their workplace and report any hazardous conditions when they are recognized.
After a workplace injury, you may be able to hold your employer accountable for your injury expenses. To discuss the safety responsibilities of both employers and workers in Pennsylvania, connect with a Bucks County personal injury attorney. Understanding workplace safety is an important part of ensuring the worker’s well-being and navigating workplace injury claims.
Employer and Worker Responsibilities in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, businesses and organizations have a duty to provide a safe work environment for their employees, including providing the following.
- Safety regulation compliance. Workplaces have to comply with set regulations, both on state and federal levels. For example, all Pennsylvania employers must comply with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards.
- Training and education. It cannot be assumed that workers will know of all safety standards, so employers need to provide adequate training and education to employees, such as the proper use of equipment and what to do when an injury occurs.
- Hazard assessment. Employers also have a responsibility to identify and address potential workplace hazards, including conducting regular inspections, maintaining machinery, and implementing safety measures.
- Providing protection. When needed, employers should provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) as these measures can help keep employees safe when they are properly used.
While all of these steps are essential to safety, it is also essential to recognize that workers also have obligations to maintain a safe environment, such as the following examples.
- Safety compliance. Workers must adhere to the safety rules and procedures established and shared by their employers.
- Reporting dangers. All hazards noticed by workers should be immediately reported to their supervisors, from malfunctioning equipment to hazardous materials or other potential dangers.
- Using PPE. When employers provide personal protective equipment, workers should use it in accordance with safety guidelines.
- Participating in training initiatives. Workers should actively attend safety training programs and engage with safety education initiatives provided by their employers.
While all of these efforts by employers and workers do help in avoiding some injuries, workplace accidents and injuries still occur. In such cases, injured workers in Pennsylvania may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or there may be the possibility of a personal injury claim.
Bring Your Workplace Injury Questions to a PA Attorney
Discuss your situation with a Bucks County personal injury attorney who has experience assisting injured workers. A skilled lawyer will inform you of your recovery options.
Were you hurt at work? Seek the guidance of a Pennsylvania injury lawyer to pursue a rightful compensation amount, connect with the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-968-6602 to schedule your consultation today.
