Since 1970, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, has been looking out for workers in the United States, including Killeen, Texas and the surrounding area. The administration has several enforceable guidelines in place to assure that employers make the necessary precautions to assure a worker’s safety. This includes training and all the necessary equipment and accessories such as gloves, helmets, face shields, etc., at no extra cost to the employee.
In addition, if it is believed that a work site is unsafe, an employee has the right to file a complaint and have OSHA investigate. The employee also has protections against retaliation from the employer for the complaint filing. If it is determined that the jobsite is hazardous and the company did not properly address the situation, they may be subject to substantial penalties and fines.
Although OSHA is in place to help prevent injuries at the workplace, sometimes accidents are inevitable and injuries, sometimes serious injuries, occur. In addition, chemicals and products such as asbestos in the work environment can create long-term illnesses for workers, forcing them to miss substantial time at work. Such injuries and illnesses may qualify them for Social Security Disability benefits or SSD benefits.
If the disabling condition is expected to last at least a year or end in death, you may want to consider applying. The benefits are not designed to fully cover medical expenses and costs associated with the condition, but may provide some financial relief while the victim is out of work.
Source: Findlaw, “Workplace Safety: OSHA and OSH Act Overview,” Accessed Mar. 1, 2017