A lack of workplace safety features largely contributed to the injuries suffered by workers in two facilities recently sited for violations, and to others that occur across the state. Workplace safety features are not just a legal requirement in Ohio. They are a fundamental aspect of ensuring the welfare of employees. These features encompass a wide range of measures, from proper training and equipment to hazard identification and mitigation strategies.
Workers injured as a result of their employers’ failures to implement safety features may be entitled to benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation program. If you suffered an on-the-job injury, contact one of our work accident lawyers.
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High Rate of Injury Among Ohio Workers
Despite efforts to improve workplace safety, Ohio continues to face a significant challenge in reducing the rate of workplace injuries. According to recent statistics, Ohio ranks among the states with the highest number of workplace injuries and fatalities. These injuries not only have a profound impact on the lives of the affected workers and their families, but also result in costs for businesses and the economy as a whole.
Several factors contribute to the high rate of workplace injuries in Ohio, including the nature of the industries prevalent in the state, such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, which inherently carry higher risks. Additionally, issues such as inadequate training, lack of safety equipment, and failure to comply with safety regulations further exacerbate the risk of injuries.
The injury incidence rates at a Fairfield food services warehouse highlights the risk employees face in the workplace, as well as the importance of safety features. Workers at the warehouse suffer severe injuries at a rate almost four times their industry’s average rate due to exposure to ergonomic, fire, and struck-by hazards.
Common Workplace Injuries
Ohio workers are susceptible to a range of common workplace injuries, many of which are preventable with proper safety measures in place. Some of the most prevalent injuries include:
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries often result from overexertion, repetitive motions, or improper lifting techniques. They include strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal disorders, which can affect workers’ abilities to perform their job duties.
Federal inspectors found that the workers in the Fairfield food services warehouse suffered a high percentage of ergonomic musculoskeletal disorders. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined the high rate of injuries among the facility’s workers resulted from long duration of hours worked, awkward postures, and engagement in repeated forceful exertions.
Cuts and Lacerations
Workers in industries that involve sharp tools or machinery are at risk of cuts and lacerations. Such injuries can range from minor cuts to more severe wounds requiring medical attention.
Burns
Workers in industries such as food service, manufacturing, and construction are at risk of burns from hot surfaces, chemicals, or fires.
A worker at an Ohio meat processing plant recently suffered severe leg burns, degloving of the foot, and other injuries in an on-the-job accident. The 35-year-old employee fell into a machine that contained corrosive chemicals while changing the bearings on a fan motor.
Struck-by Objects
Workers can be struck by falling objects or moving equipment, leading to injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious head injuries.
Caught-in or Between Objects
Workers operating machinery or working in confined spaces are at risk of getting caught in or between objects, resulting in crush injuries or amputations.
Understanding these common workplace injuries is essential for implementing effective safety measures to prevent them. Workers who suffer such injuries may find it helpful to consult an Ohio workers’ compensation claim checklist to make sure they do not miss any important benefit filing deadlines.
Legal Requirements for Employers in Ohio
Employers in Ohio must follow several state and federal laws meant to ensure workplace safety and prevent worker injuries.
What Safety Requirements Do Employers Have in Place to Keep Workers Safe?
Employers in Ohio are required to implement various safety measures to protect their workers and maintain a safe working environment. Some key safety requirements that employers must have in place include:
Written Safety Policies
Employers must have written safety policies and procedures that outline the company’s commitment to workplace safety and the specific measures in place to protect employees.
Safety Training
Employers are required to provide safety training to employees on topics such as hazard recognition, safe work practices, and emergency procedures. Training should be provided to new employees and periodically to all employees.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers must provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, and helmets, to employees at no cost to them. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that PPE is used correctly and maintained properly.
Safety Equipment
Employers must provide and maintain safety equipment, such as guardrails, safety harnesses, and machine guards, to protect employees from hazards in the workplace.
Hazard Communication
Employers must have a written hazard communication program that includes a list of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, safety data sheets (SDSs) for each chemical, and a plan for communicating hazards to employees.
Emergency Preparedness
Employers must have an emergency action plan that outlines procedures for responding to emergencies such as fires, natural disasters, and workplace violence. Employees should be trained on these procedures.
Safety Inspections
Employers are required to conduct regular safety inspections of the workplace to identify and address potential hazards. Inspections should be documented, and corrective actions should be taken promptly.
Reporting and Record-keeping
Employers must maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses and report certain incidents to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) as required by law.
If employers fail to adhere to the standards and employees suffer injuries as a result, it may leave them open to legal action. Injured workers, then, may benefit from discussing their cases with a workers’ compensation lawyer.
What Are the Challenges in Implementing Safety Features?
Despite the clear benefits of workplace safety features, there are several challenges that employers may face when implementing them. Such challenges can hinder the effectiveness of safety measures and contribute to the high rate of workplace injuries in Ohio. Some key issues with implementing safety features in the workplace include:
Cost
One of the primary challenges of implementing safety features is the cost involved. Employers may need to invest in safety equipment, training programs, and safety upgrades, which can be expensive, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. Further, some employers, particularly small businesses, may lack the resources, such as time, personnel, and expertise, needed to effectively implement and maintain safety measures.
Resistance to Change
Some employees and employers may resist changes to safety procedures or equipment, viewing them as unnecessary or disruptive to workflow.
Complacency
In workplaces where there have been few or no serious injuries, there may be a tendency to become complacent about safety measures. Such complacency can lead to a lax attitude towards safety and an increased risk of accidents.
Lack of Awareness
In some cases, employers may simply be unaware of the specific safety requirements that apply to their industry or workplace. Consequently, they may not have safety features implemented.
Complexity of Regulations
The regulatory environment surrounding workplace safety can be complex, with numerous laws and regulations that vary depending on the industry and type of work. Understanding and complying with these regulations can be challenging for employers.
Employee Turnover
High employee turnover can pose a challenge to maintaining a consistent safety culture and ensuring that new employees are properly trained in safety procedures.
Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach from employers, including a commitment to investing in safety, fostering a culture of safety within the organization, and staying informed about relevant safety regulations and best practices.
What Are the Consequences for Safety Violations in Ohio?
Safety violations in Ohio can have serious consequences for employers, including financial penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. Consequences for safety violations in Ohio include:
Fines: Employers who violate safety regulations may be subject to fines imposed by the BWC or OSHA. The amount of the fine depends on the nature and severity of the violation.
Criminal Penalties: In cases of egregious safety violations or violations that result in serious injury or death, employers may face criminal charges. These charges can result in fines and even imprisonment for individuals responsible for the violations.
Increased Workers’ Compensation Costs: Employers who fail to maintain a safe workplace may see an increase in their workers’ compensation insurance premiums.
Legal Action: After a work accident, you may wonder, “Can I sue my employer for an injury on the job?” Employees who are injured as a result of safety violations may file lawsuits against their employers seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Reputation Damage: Safety violations can also damage an employer’s reputation, leading to a loss of trust among employees, customers, and the community.
Work Stoppage: In serious cases of safety violations, OSHA or the BWC may order a work stoppage until the safety issues are addressed. A work stoppage can result in lost productivity and revenue for the employer.
Corrective Actions: Employers may be required to take corrective actions to address safety violations, such as implementing new safety measures, conducting additional training, or making improvements to equipment and facilities.
To avoid such repercussions, it is essential for employers in Ohio to take workplace safety seriously and ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
What Benefits Are Injured Workers Entitled to Receive?
Through the state’s workers’ compensation system, injured workers have entitlement to several benefit types. The benefits available to injured workers include:
- Medical benefits
- Wage replacement benefits
- Temporary total disability benefits
- Permanent total disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Death benefits
Injured workers should not have to bear the financial burden of accidents resulting from the negligence or carelessness of their employers. The benefits available through the Ohio workers’ compensation program, then, are aimed at providing financial assistance and support.
If your employer lacked adequate safety features, and you suffered injuries as a result, contact our Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorneys to discuss your options.
