Workplace safety in Findlay is a critical concern. Employers have a legal duty to make sure their working environments are as reasonably safe as possible for their workers. Both federal and state laws set forth extensive requirements for employers to follow. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers comply with strict workplace safety standards. When an employer fails to comply with OSHA’s standards, they endanger the health and safety of their employees.
If you believe your working environment is unreasonably dangerous, you have legal rights. Our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Schaffer & Associates can help you take action to protect yourself.
When you believe your worksite is dangerous and suspect your employer is violating workplace safety rules, you have several rights. If you fear you are at risk of suffering imminent harm, you can immediately stop your work duties. You can file a complaint with OSHA and request that an official come to the workplace to perform a full inspection. If you file the complaint, you are eligible to attend the inspection, talk to the inspector without your employer listening, and read a copy of the inspector’s report.
An employer cannot retaliate against you for making a report of a suspected or actual violation of OSHA’s safety standards. The employer cannot fire you or make you suffer other negative consequences while at work as a result of your report.
If you suspect your employer is violating workplace safety standards, you should consult with our local team of attorneys in Findlay who can help you understand your legal rights and options. A seasoned lawyer can guide you throughout the reporting process to ensure you receive protection under the law against discriminatory retaliation from your employer.
If you suffer an injury on the job, you have the right to seek compensation under your employer’s workers’ compensation plan. Typically, the workers’ compensation benefits pay for your reasonable medical costs and a portion of your lost wages. To collect these benefits, you do not need to show that your employer was at fault. As long as your medically documented injury occurred while at work or because of your workplace duties, your claim should be eligible for benefits.
However, when an injury occurs because of a violation of an Ohio-specific safety requirement, called a “VSSR,” additional compensation is also available under Ohio law. An injured worker or the surviving family members of a worker who died because of a workplace safety violation in Findlay can seek benefits under the Violation of Specific Safety Requirement (VSSR). The Industrial Commission of Ohio can assess a penalty based on a percentage of the injured employee’s workers’ compensation award. That penalty is awarded directly to the injured worker or the deceased worker’s family as a VSSR benefit.
After reviewing the facts, our local attorneys can explain whether VSSR benefits are available in your particular case.
Local officials take workplace safety in Findlay very seriously. If an employer fails to provide reasonably safe working conditions, their workers can be at risk of serious harm.
If you believe your workplace conditions are unsafe, meet with a local attorney from our firm to discuss your concerns. Our lawyers at Schaffer & Associates care about you and are prepared to guide you every step of the way.