Common Risks of Dangerous Working Conditions

Doctors and hospitals saw approximately 4.5 million cases of workplace injuries in 2022. Dangerous working conditions represent one common way these workplace accidents happen. Responsibility for these injuries falls to employers, who are legally obligated to ensure their workers remain safe on the job.

The Legal Obligation of Employers

Employers cannot guarantee that you and other employees will never get hurt on the job. Nonetheless, the law requires your employer to take preventive measures to help reduce the chance that workplace accidents occur.

Failing to take these measures can lead to government agencies assessing fines and penalties against your employer. There may also be legal consequences if an accident does happen.

The duties employers have toward their workers include advising employees of the dangers they may encounter while they are working and how they can avoid these dangers. Employers must also provide their workers with safety equipment to reduce their chance of injury and ensure their employees know how to use such equipment.

Finally, employers should conduct routine checks of their employees to make sure safety equipment is being used properly and safety procedures are being followed.

Common Hazards in the Workplace

No two workplaces are alike, and so the hazards you might face on your job site are not the same as those workers in another industry or another location may encounter. Nonetheless, every workplace has its unique hazards and dangers, including office environments. Some of these dangers can include:

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards include items like heavy equipment, inventory, and machinery needed to perform your job. In many instances, inadequate training or a failure to follow established safety protocols can lead to accidents from these physical dangers.

Injuries can range from strains and sprains from lifting heavy objects to amputations, crushing injuries, and even death.

Chemical Hazards

Individuals who work in industrial settings can be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals that can present the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Toxic fumes can incapacitate and kill those who are not wearing appropriate safety equipment.

Not only this, but some chemicals can be extremely volatile if they are not properly stored. Improper storage can lead to industrial fires and explosions.

Biological Hazards

When you think of biological hazards, you may think of improperly stored viruses in a laboratory. However, you can also come into contact with biological dangers from blood or other bodily fluid spills that are not appropriately cleaned and disposed of.

If you will be working in or around human or animal urine, feces, vomit, blood, or other fluids, your employer must provide you with appropriate safety gear and training.

Environmental Hazards

Sometimes, the workplace itself is a danger to your health and safety. Jobsites with loud noises can damage your hearing, and areas with poor ventilation can make breathing difficult. This is especially true if toxic fumes are present in the working environment. Exposure to extreme temperatures and heights can also lead to injuries.

Legal Recourse — Workers’ Rights and Seeking Compensation

If you have suffered a workplace injury, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and get benefits. These financial benefits are meant to compensate you for your medical bills, the cost of therapy and rehabilitation services, and some of your lost wages. These benefits generally continue until you are well enough to return to work.

To access these benefits, you must report your workplace accident to your employer within 72 hours. You must also file a claim with the Wyoming Workers’ Compensation Division within 10 days of your accident. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you file your claim and resolve issues you may encounter in getting the compensation you deserve.

A personal injury lawyer can also determine whether you have the right to file a third-party claim against other negligent individuals who contributed to your accident.

FAQs About Dangerous Working Conditions

If you suffer an injury on the job, have an experienced personal injury attorney answer any questions you have about your rights to compensation. Your attorney can address these and other common questions:

Should I Report a Workplace Injury to My Employer?

Yes, you should tell your employer about your workplace injury as soon as possible. You only have 72 hours after an injury accident to tell your employer about it and 10 days to tell the Workers’ Compensation Division. Failing to take either of these steps can severely impact your ability to get compensation.

Can I Sue My Employer for an Injury on the Job?

In most cases, the answer is no. Workers’ comp provides you with benefits regardless of who caused your on-the-job injury. In exchange, your employer is shielded from personal liability.

However, you may be entitled to pursue a case directly against your employer in egregious cases where your employer intentionally caused your injury or engaged in other deliberate misconduct.

What Should I Do if I See Dangerous Working Conditions?

If you feel unsafe because of dangerous working conditions on the job, consider bringing these matters to your employer’s attention.

If that does not adequately address the situation, or if your employer dismisses your concerns, you may need to file a whistleblower lawsuit with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or other regulatory body. An experienced lawyer can guide you in the proper course of action.

Who to Call After a Wyoming Workplace Injury

One phone call to The Spence Law Firm following a workplace accident can equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to protect your legal rights. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers stands ready to help you seek compensation if dangerous working conditions have hurt you.

Speak to The Spence Law Firm and request a consultation with us as soon as possible following your injury accident.