If you’re like most U.S. adults, you earn a living by working for a company or multiple businesses. Chances are, the thought of being the victim of a workplace injury is the last thing on your mind during a typical day.
Even with everything modern workplaces offer, it remains impossible for all companies to remain injury-free. Unfortunately, research shows that fatal workplace injuries are rising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal workplace injuries rose by 8.9% in 2021 compared to the previous year.
When employees and employers work together, everyone can enjoy a safe and productive workplace. Before that happens, employers and employees need to know their rights and responsibilities.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- Three factors responsible for 75% of all nonfatal workplace injuries
- Employee workplace safety rights
- Workplace safety responsibilities for employers
- What employers and employees should do after workplace injuries happen
What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?
One way to avoid getting injured while working is to know how these injuries happen. According to the National Safety Council, three types of injuries account for 75% of nonfatal injuries in the workplace. We’ll explain each of these categories below.
Overexertion and Bodily Reaction
Almost every job involves doing things over and over again. Spending months, years, or decades repeating the same motions can take a toll on your body. One outcome that can happen is developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
An MSD can develop after continually lifting heavy items or incorrectly performing repeated motions. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), it’s an employer’s responsibility to keep workplaces “free from…ergonomic hazards.”
Exposure to Harmful Environments and Substances
Employees can come into contact with many potentially harmful environments and substances. Exposure to extreme temperatures, radiation, loud noises, electricity, and chemicals can all cause workplace injuries.
Trips, Slips, and Falls
Whether caused by a wet floor or unsecured scaffolding, trips, slips, and falls also lead to many injuries. A fall can result in long-lasting injuries, especially if an employee lands on their head. This event can result in traumatic brain injuries, sometimes requiring a lifetime of care to live with.
What Rights Do Employees Have in the Workplace?
Your most important right as an employee is to have a safe work environment, which became a law thanks to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This act details workplace safety regulations and employee protections.
We’ll summarize this lengthy document into an easily understandable list of your rights as an employee.
Under this important act, an employee has the right to:
- File a complaint against an unsafe employer requesting an OSHA inspection.
- Take part in an OSHA-mandated inspection.
- Speak privately to an OSHA inspector about workplace-related concerns.
- Attend free safety training from OSHA.
- Request copies of information regarding workplace injuries, illnesses, and hazardous test results.
- File an additional complaint with OSHA if you receive:
a. Retaliation from your employer because you exercised your OSHA-related rights.
b. Any suspected punishments for being a whistleblower.
What Responsibilities Must Employers Follow?
Whether or not you own a business, understanding an employer’s safety-related responsibilities is good to know. Before someone can legally operate a business, the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 details their responsibilities.
Employers have the responsibility to:
- Provide a safe workplace that’s “free of known dangers.” (A known danger is any unsafe situation an employer is aware of.)
- Train employees using language and terms they can understand.
- Inform employees about all job-related hazards through training, labeling, installing active alarms, and similar methods.
- Keep records of workplace illnesses and injuries.
- Always display OSHA’s official poster that lists employees’ rights and responsibilities.
- Provide required hearing exams or any required medical tests to employees.
- Make OSHA’s citations, illness data, and injury reports available for all employees.
- Report any workplace fatality to OSHA within eight hours of it happening.
- Inform OSHA within 24 hours of any serious workplace injuries that result in an amputation, inpatient hospitalization, or eye removal.
- Avoid retaliating against any employee for exercising their OSHA-related rights.
- Depending on the industry, employers may also need to conduct additional tests per OSHA’s standards.
What Employers and Employees Should Do After Workplace Injuries
Hopefully, you never have to suffer an injury while working. But, if a workplace injury happens, knowing what to do next could save lives. The following information does not contain OSHA’s laws. Instead, use the upcoming tips as suggested next steps after workplace injuries.
For an Employee:
- Get medical help.
- For minor injuries, an urgent care facility might provide quick treatment.
- For severe injuries, call 911 if you safely can or ask for help from a co-worker.
- Report the incident and details of this injury to your employer.
- Fill out an official injury report for your employer.
- File a workers’ compensation claim within your state’s timeframe (they vary by state).
- Consider hiring an attorney, especially if you receive any pushback from your employer.
After a workplace injury, always seek medical treatment. This information is obvious enough for severe injuries. But it’s easy for employees with non-serious injuries to avoid a post-injury check-up.
Getting a check-up after a workplace injury:
- Gives you a clear understanding of your post-accident injuries
- Documents the extent of your injuries, which is extremely helpful after filing a workers’ compensation claim
For Employers:
- Assist the injured worker in any way that doesn’t worsen their injuries.
- Gather as much information as possible about this injury and what caused it, including:
- Names of injured employees
- Where the injury happened
- Witness-related information
- Medical treatment sought
- Report the injury, following OSHA’s previously mentioned timelines.
- Inform this company’s workers’ compensation provider
- If the injury permits it, remain in communication with the injured employee.
- Offer reasonable accommodations if an injured worker returns to their previously held role.
Millions of unfortunate injuries occur each year in workplaces worldwide. However, previously passed laws provide protections to employees. If you suspect your employer of withholding injury-related information or otherwise not working with you, it could be time to contact a workers’ compensation law firm.
Written by: William Powell
William Powell is a writer and educator with a passion for marketing. He enjoys learning about the latest business trends and analyzing how global events impact domestic and international economies.