Jersey City OSHA Violation Lawyers

Workplace safety is a concern for employees and employers alike, which is why federal and state regulations exist. Unfortunately, accidents continue to occur across industries, and when they happen as a result of unsafe conditions that should have been prevented, workers may file a claim for compensation. If you believe you were injured on the job due to a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules, contact the knowledgeable Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for an initial consultation today.

What is OSHA?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, often simply called OSHA, is a federal agency created in 1970 to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees across the United States. OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards that apply to virtually all private-sector employers. The agency also conducts regular inspections, issues citations, and educates employers and employees on workplace compliance. Because of OSHA, employers across the country are required, by law, to provide workplaces free from known hazards that could cause injuries or death.

What Are the Most Common OSHA Violations?

When a company fails to comply with OSHA requirements and an employee is injured as a result, that employee is likely entitled to financial compensation. Some of the most common OSHA violations that our firm sees involve the following:

• Employers failing to provide guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets to protect workers from falls.
• Companies neglecting to properly label chemicals or provide safety data sheets, leaving workers unprepared for exposure.
• Unsafe ladders or improper use of ladders.
• Defective scaffolds or failure to provide adequate training.
• Machines serviced without proper controls to prevent accidental startups, putting workers at extreme risk
• Forklift accidents resulting from inadequate operator training or poor maintenance
• Workers being exposed to dusts, fimes, or other hazardous substances without proper respirators
• Employers neglecting to provide goggles, shields, or other protective gear for workers handling dangerous materials

Who is Responsible if I’m Injured Due to an OSHA Violation?

Many people assume that if an OSHA violation caused their injury, they can sue their employer directly. This is seldom the case. In most cases, employees are required to pursue benefits through the state’s no-fault system, which provides medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits without requiring proof of fault.

That said, this doesn’t mean the existence of an OSHA violation isn’t important–proof of an OSHA violation can still play an important role in strengthening your case.

Additionally, in other cases, other parties beyond the employer may be held legally responsible, such as subcontractors, manufacturers of defective equipment, or property owners who controlled unsafe premises. In cases where third parties are involved, injured workers may have the right to pursue compensation via a personal injury claim against them, which can result in broader compensation, including damages for pain and suffering.

Filing an OSHA Violation Claim

If you’re injured on the job due to an OSHA violation, you should take the following steps:

• Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Your health always comes first.
• File a workers’ compensation claim.
• Consider reporting the violation to OSHA.
• Contact a seasoned Jersey City workers’ compensation attorney.

Contact Our OSHA Violation Claim Lawyers Today

An OSHA violation should never be taken lightly. If you were injured on the job due to an OSHA violation, our experienced Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyers stand ready to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today.