Workplace Safety in Greenville

Everyone deserves to work in a safe, clean, and orderly environment, regardless of whether they work in construction or in an office. Because of this, after an injury, employers may be obligated to compensate their employees through workers’ compensation insurance. 

Although this reimbursement is helpful and necessary, ideally all injuries would be avoided entirely. That is why workplace safety in Greenville is of such critical importance—increasing awareness and training regarding best practices at any job site drastically reduces the chances that injuries occur, which is the best outcome for both the employer and the employee. 

If you have concerns regarding the conditions in which you work, an attorney may be able to help you understand your legal options.

Employer Responsibilities Regarding Workplace Safety

Both the federal and state governments regulate workplace safety requirements in Greenville. The federal government has the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an organization within the United States Department of Labor. South Carolina’s state government also has its own version with the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration (SC OSHA), which is part of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Each of these government agencies set standards and regulations that business operating in South Carolina must comply with; some requirements applicable to employers could, depending on their industry, include:

• Keep documentation related to illnesses and injuries that occur on the job site
• Not retaliate or discriminate against employees who make reports or claims under the law
• Create safe and effective operating procedures regarding health and safety requirements and make sure employees know about them
• Warn employees of potentially dangerous situations or materials on the jobsite
• Eliminate any serious hazards from the job site or workplace
• Provide employees with the appropriate equipment for their work and ensure it is properly maintained
• Provide medical training and examinations where necessary
• Develop training programs and appropriate precautionary procedures for any hazardous materials stored onsite 

If an employee believes that their employer is not maintaining a safe working environment by failing to do any of the above, an experienced attorney could help them analyze the situation and assess their options.

Employee’s Role in Workplace Safety

Safety in offices and on job sites around Greenville is not just in the hands of the company or business. Although employees are not legally responsible for the conditions of their workplaces, they can still help contribute to keeping them accident free by doing the following:

• Attending all safety training sessions 
• Not working while intoxicated or fatigued
• Using proper safety and personal protective equipment
• Only using tools and equipment as they are designed and intended

Moreover, if an employee believes their employer is not adequately maintaining a safe working environment, they may file a complaint with either the federal or state version of OSHA. An employee can make a complaint anonymously and does not have to be sure that a violation of law has occurred when they make a complaint—the complaint will simply trigger an inspection to review the issue. Although employees do not have a legal obligation to make a complaint, doing so promptly upon witnessing unsafe behavior can be a vital step to eliminating injuries from the workplace. 

Contact a Greenville Attorney With Experience in Workplace Safety

Everyone deserves to go to work without fear or concern for their personal health or safety. If you have been hurt at work, or even if there are simply dangerous conditions at your place of work, you may have a right to rectify the situation. 

A lawyer experienced with handling workplace safety in Greenville could help you understand your rights and apply them to pursue the goals that are appropriate for your situation. Schedule an initial consultation today to learn more.