Virginia law states that all employers must protect the health and safety of employees in the workplace. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences, but more importantly, it can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences for those involved in the violations. At Hampton Injury Law, we’re here to help employees identify health and safety violations in the workplace and ensure that we represent the needs of employees if violations occur. Call us for a consultation to discuss your case.
Health and safety protocols are set in place to ensure that employees are taken care of in the workplace. Employers can be in violation of these protocols, putting themselves and others at risk. Here are some examples of health and safety violations in the workplace:
Tripping and falling hazards are one of the top violations that occur in workplaces. This is often due to an employer failing to provide proper safety equipment or creating an unsafe working environment that promotes falling. Many jobs should be completed while wearing safety gear when dealing with height-related projects. Proper safety protocols need to be in place so that employees are strapped in properly and wearing the right protective gear, such as helmets and safety glasses. If an employer fails to confirm that employees are adhering to safety protocol and wearing the correct gear, falls and other incidents can cause serious injury and even death. In addition, an unsafe work environment can also promote falling, such as having unmarked water spills or obstacles in walking spaces. Failure to properly use ladders can also result in falling. Violating fall protection protocols is a serious issue in the workplace.
Businesses are required to have an emergency plan in place for employees, including fire safety protocols. This includes having a detailed plan on employee actions that need to be taken if a fire occurs. Additionally, businesses must have proper safety equipment, including functioning smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Failure to have proper fire safety equipment is a violation in the workplace and can result in injury and death if not addressed.
Health and safety violations can often occur due to miscommunication on part of the employer. For example, it is a serious violation if an employer fails to provide or notify employees of proper safety gear and procedures. Employees should always be informed of protocols and be provided written documentation on properly following these procedures.
If you’ve experienced a workplace violation, our team at Hampton Injury Law is here to help. We’ll listen to your concerns and provide the next steps in resolving any legal issues. Knowing what laws and regulations are in place to protect employees can help you understand the violation that occurred and how our team can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact our team today if you believe you’ve experienced a workplace safety and health violation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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