The importance of wearing the correct safety gear in certain occupations cannot be overlooked. Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes helmets, gloves, safety glasses and boots, earmuffs, or overalls. Their purpose is to protect you or minimize your exposure to hazards that may cause injuries or illnesses.
Wearing the proper protective equipment may sometimes be a matter of life and death. For instance, if you are a construction worker without a helmet, falling debris may cause serious injuries or, in some cases, death. Therefore, it is essential to safeguard your legal rights as a worker, especially when it comes to safety matters.
The law is very clear about an employer’s responsibilities
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates all employers to provide a safe environment for their workers. This includes the provision of personal protective equipment. In addition, the law requires employers to maintain and update PPE for their workers and cannot require them to provide their own PPE.
Personal protective equipment doesn’t make you immune to injury
Even if your employer provides the necessary PPE and you still suffer injuries or get sick on the job. If that happens, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits cover the cost of treatment, lost wages in the time spent recovering, as well as death benefits.
Importantly, your employer cannot dismiss you or take any hostile action against you for seeking compensation for your workplace injuries. Learning more about workers’ compensation laws in your state will protect your interests and help you navigate your case with ease.
