Preventing workplace injuries

There are many types of work-related illnesses and injuries that New Jersey workers may sustain while on the job. These illnesses and injuries can have a significant negative impact in various ways.

For example, injuries incurred in the workplace can result in financial, physical and emotional hardships for families. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, work injuries can also impact employers by causing indirect and direct costs, like administrative time, wage costs, lost productivity, training costs and more.

According to a whitepaper that was published by OSHA in 2012, the agency believes that using illness and injury prevention programs that are based on reasonable and established principles is critical. Such programs could help companies improve their compliance with current regulations and laws. The programs are also necessary for reducing the occurrences of workplace illnesses/injuries and related costs.

One Colorado hospital uses its occupational health program to treat the employees from several nearby employers. Additional services of the program include wellness visits and pre-employment physicals. Providers who work in the program also conduct on-site educational courses that instruct workers about what is necessary for remaining safe at work.

Workers should take care to be aware of their surroundings at work and make sure to wear their mandatory or advised protective equipment. They should avoid taking shortcuts in order to complete their work tasks faster. Additional general advice includes getting sufficient sleep, remaining hydrated, preparing for extreme weather and traveling safely.

An attorney who practices workers’ compensation law may help an injured employee file a claim for benefits. The attorney could guide the client through the process of appealing a denied claim or insufficient settlement amount.

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