Contrary to what some may believe, the accomplishment of keeping workers safe in the workplace is a joint effort between employer and employee and not an obligation left entirely up to one party. Although employers in Pennsylvania should be actively facilitating efforts to protect workers by providing adequate training and education, employees play a central role in their own safety by participating in training, adhering to protocols and being aware of their rights as a hired worker.
In regards to a workers’ compensation policy, employers have the responsibility of understanding the details about their policy and under what conditions it will function to provide support to injured workers. This information should be actively disseminated to employees in a manner that is understood by all.
According to Home Business Magazine, employers should run various scenarios with their workers’ compensation agent to understand in full how the coverage they have would function for certain workers in specific situations. They should also know critical details such as whether or not injured workers will be allowed to select their own health care provider or if it is required that any medical professionals be within the network of the insurance provider.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests that workers also be aware of their rights in the workplace to better detect when they are being put at risk which could otherwise be preventable. For example, some of the rights that workers have included access to resources to report injuries or illnesses that are work-related, the ability to be trained in a language they understand and the use of safety equipment and properly maintained machinery to perform all job functions.