With more than 2 million American workers being injured every year, workplace injuries have become very common. However, while being so common, there are many steps that can be taken to prevent such injuries. To prevent any unnecessary harm or conflict, here are 7 tips to follow to avoid a workplace injury:
- Always be alert on the job, taking breaks to regain focus
- Identify risks and potential hazards
- Get training on how to use new machines
- Wear protective goggles
- Communicate if there is an unaddressed safety issue
- Always follow the safety program of the workplace
- Know your legal rights as an employee
As an employer, it is a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of the employees. But it is also very important as an employee to know the legal rights he or she might have in the event of a workplace injury. A few legal rights as an employee include:
- The right to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission
- The right to see a doctor and/or pursue medical treatment
- The right to return to your job (if cleared by physician to return)
- The right to some form of compensation (if you are unable to return to work because of your injury/illness)
- The right to be represented by a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney
If you have suffered a workplace injury and have questions regarding your legal rights as an employee, contact a South Carolina Workers’ Compensation attorney at 1-888-690-0211 today.
