Everyday many Iowans are injured at work, some fatally. Many common workplace injuries are a result of falls from heights, being struck by a vehicle or other moving object, falls and slips & trips, and handling injuries. Some of these injuries happen because of poorly addressed hazardous working conditions such as spills on floors or tripping hazards, unguarded or moving machinery, and working from raised areas without the benefit of safety procedures.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers from serious harm at work. The law requires employers to provide employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards.
OSHA provides information, training and assistance to workers and employers in order to make the workplace safer. As a means of enforcement, workers may report incidences where an OSHA standard is not being followed or the presence of serious hazards in the workplace to prompt an inspection.
Before OSHA was created nearly 43 years ago, an estimated 14,000 workers were killed on the job every year. Today, workplaces are much safer and healthier, going from 38 fatal injuries a day to 12. However, even one injury or fatality is too many so there is still much work to be done.
You have the right to a safe workplace. If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers compensation or disability benefits while you recover. Contact the Law Offices of McDonald % Woodward, P.C. for help today.