Many discussions around workplace safety in Downey focus on regulations and employer compliance with these standards. While it is true that workplaces must meet safety standards in order to protect workers, it is important to know that workers are entitled to benefits when workplace injuries occur — even if there were no safety standards violated.
Creating a truly risk-free workplace is not possible, and employees have the right to workers’ compensation for any injury sustained on the job, regardless of workplace safety adherence. If you have been injured on the job, it is important to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney to know your rights.
Downey workplaces are governed by both state (Cal/OSHA) and federal (OSHA) regulations about safety. These standards apply to a wide range of industries and require employers to take a proactive approach to protecting their employees.
These standards regulate things like:
State regulations also provide opportunities for employees to report unsafe conditions (which will remain confidential) and require employers to report all accidents that result in serious injuries or death.
These standards provide a level of protection and ongoing consideration for workplace safety.
Even with strict adherence to all safety regulations, however, workplace accidents can and do occur. These risks become even higher when workplaces are facing staffing shortages or there are added time pressures to meet specific production deadlines. Heavy machinery can be dangerous even with careful practices and attentive operation.
Some common safety hazards in Downey workplaces include the use of forklifts and production machinery in warehouses and factories, wet floors and back strain in retail environments, and patient handling injuries and pathogen exposure in medical industries.
In California, workers’ compensation is available to almost every employee (with exceptions for volunteers and independent contractors) who gets injured on the job. These benefits are not dependent upon negligence. This means that even if every safety precaution was followed and there are no violations of regulations, an injured employee in Downey is still entitled to benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits include medical treatment, at no cost to the employee, and temporary disability benefits while recovering. If the injury causes long-term limitations, the benefits may include ongoing disability payments and job retraining opportunities.
Even if an injury does not seem serious or if you believe that your workplace adhered to Downey safety regulations, it is important to report the incident to your employer. If the incident is not reported promptly, you could lose access to workers’ compensation benefits. Once the injury has been reported, you will have access to medical care at no personal expense through your employer’s approved medical providers.
Delays and denials can come up in workers’ compensation claims as the process unfolds. In order to ensure a smooth process with minimal delays, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer early on. A lawyer could help ensure you meet all deadlines, file paperwork properly, and keep a clear record of symptoms and medical treatments. These details can be important to dispute any denials and demonstrate accurate levels of impairment.
If you have been hurt on the job, do not wait to see whether the injury is serious before exercising your rights. Remember, workplace safety in Downey is only one component of workers’ rights. You are entitled to compensation for your work-related injury even if there was no violation of safety standards. Call today to learn more about using your benefits to the fullest.
