These days, many people are concerned about the source of the salmon they eat, the conditions in factories where their t-shirts are made, and the level of radon in their homes. When it comes to their own workplace, however, some people are less vigilant.
Most Arizona workplaces are perfectly safe and healthy. In recent years, workers’ compensation claims are down in the state. Employers usually take worker safety seriously. The danger for workers, however, is assuming that their employers have it all under control, or that they are aware of every issue and hazard.
Workplace health and safety problems can take many forms. In factories, common problems involve equipment malfunctions or misuse, chemical spills or dangerous fumes. In office environments, ergonomic issues are more frequent. In restaurants, sanitation and food preparation methods not only pose threats to workers, but customers as well.
What role, therefore, do employees play? As it is for homeland security, the guiding principle of workplace safety is: If you see something, say something. If you notice a health or safety hazard at work, your first responsibility is to tell your supervisor. If he or she fails to address it, put your concerns in writing and keep a copy of that communication – especially if you suffered an injury or health issue as a result of the problem.
You should also strongly consider filing a workers’ compensation claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona, or ICA. The ICA makes sure that workers who are injured on the job are adequately compensated and provides a forum for resolving disputes between employers and employees.
All too often, employers refuse to compensate employees for workplace injuries or fail to take corrective measures to protect them from future injuries. In cases like these, having a strong ally like the law firm of Jerome, Gibson, Stewart, Stevenson, Engle & Runbeck, P.C on your side can be invaluable.
Over nearly four decades, our firm has grown into one of the pre-eminent workers’ compensation law firms in the Phoenix Valley. We help people like you with all stages of workers’ compensation claims, from initial filing to appeal of denied benefits. We can also help you negotiate with your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier. In every case, our goal is always to make injured employees whole by obtaining for them the compensation to which they are entitled under law.
