The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is responsible for developing regulations and procedures intended to protect workers from injury. Generally, the regulations introduced by OSHA will be very specific, and applicable to one clearly defined group of employees. For example, Cal/OSHA has recently announced that health and safety standards to protect hotel housekeepers from musculoskeletal injuries will come into effect from July 1, 2018. Other regulations are designed to protect those working in specific areas of agriculture, construction, factory work, and more. Each of the OSHA regulations will clearly specify which group they are intended to protect, and what obligations their employers must comply with.
However, despite the explicit legal obligations laid out by each area of OSHA legislation, employees across California continue to sustain workplace injuries due to violations.
General Workers’ Rights Afforded by OSHA Regulations
As mentioned earlier, each of the OSHA regulations caters to a specific group of workers, however, there are some general rights afforded across the board. These include:
- The right to receive the appropriate training in a language you understand
- The right to be provided with safe machinery, enabling you to do your job
- The right to be provided with appropriate safety equipment
- The right to be protected from dangerous chemicals
- The right to have their working conditions inspected by OSHA officials
- The right to receive copies of all workplace injuries logs and reports
- The right to receive copies of all workplace hazard test results
Despite these rights, far too many workers in Los Angeles and beyond are regularly injured due to workplace OSHA violations. If you believe you have sustained an injury that could have been prevented if OSHA regulations were properly adhered to, a Los Angeles workers compensation attorney may be able to help.
Have You Been Injured Due to an OSHA Violation?
If you have been injured at work, you should be able to recover worker’s compensation, whether an OSHA violation occurred or not. As a worker’s compensation claim can be a very complex matter, it is strongly recommended that begin the process as soon as possible, enlisting legal representation from a Los Angeles worker’s compensation attorney should your employer, or their insurance company, incorrectly reject your claim.
When a Los Angeles workers compensation attorney takes on your case, we will work tirelessly to secure the benefits you are entitled to, which can include:
- Medical benefits, including access to specialists and the treatment you require
- Timely and correct compensation for disability benefits while you are unable to work
- Compensation for permanent disability, should you be unable to return to work permanently
- Where a work injury has affected your ability to work for more than 12 months, we will handle a Social Security Disability claim on your behalf
While you are not obliged to instruct a worker’s compensation attorney to act on your behalf, the complexity of California worker’s compensation law means it is wise to do so.
To discuss your case with a Los Angeles worker’s compensation attorney, and find out exactly how we can help you, call us today on 818-812-5639 to schedule your free initial consultation.
