Working in an unsafe environment is not only a threat to your safety, but it can also harm your mental health and diminish productivity. Under federal law, you are entitled to a safe workplace. Your employer must provide a workplace free of known health and safety hazards. If you have concerns, you have the right to speak up about them without fear of retaliation. Remember, in Georgia, you have one year from the last day of treatment to file a lawsuit for a workers compensation claim.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, you have the right to:
There are certain responsibilities that Georgia employers must meet by law. If you aren’t sure that a rule has been broken, contact a local Atlanta workers compensation lawyer to consult on your potential claim.
After an accident at work, you should notify the supervisor or manager on duty. In the case of emergency please call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Once you’ve notified your employer of the accident, they should file an injury report and provide you with a list of doctors to treat for your injury. All employers are required to have a list of board-certified doctors under federal law. Your employer should offer a job for you that fits any work restrictions you have due to an injury.
An unsafe work environment is usually a sign of a deeper problem, like poor management or an overworked team. If you find yourself in an unsafe work environment, seeking employment elsewhere is a good idea. If leaving your current employer is not an option for you right now, you should be sure to document all the unsafe work practices that you witness. This may involve keeping a daily diary in which you indicate witnessing unsafe work practices.
In the event of injury, this evidence combined with a respected Atlanta workers compensation lawyer could help you get the settlement you deserve and the medical care that you need.
