Hazardous Work Conditions in Walnut Creek
Unsafe or hazardous work conditions can be found in almost every workplace, even in Walnut Creek. But some industries have some of the most dangerous workplace conditions. These include mining, construction, refineries, logging, and ironworking accidents.
Every day, millions of American employees report to work, not realizing that they are at risk from injury or illness hazards, many of which they cannot even see. In California, thousands of workers are injured in workplace accidents every year, and most of these accidents are almost entirely preventable.
You need to be especially aware if your work environment presents special health risks such as working under hazardous conditions, with hazardous chemicals or hazardous materials (lead, asbestos, etc.), or if you are around or handle hazardous substances and hazardous waste.
Above all, your health and safety on-site at any job must be the priority of the company. Both California State and federal regulators require that all companies maintain safe working conditions for their workers. It doesn’t matter if you work part-time, or full-time, you have the same rights to a safe work environment.
Multitudes Of Potential Hazards in Walnut Creek Workplaces
Fall Hazards
Fall accidents can involve falls on slippery and grease-covered surfaces, as well as falls from elevations and ladders. Slip and fall accidents are one of the top three causes of workplace injuries in the United States, and fall hazards have been recorded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as some of the most frequently cited violations almost every year. Falls are devastating because they can cause fractures and even more severe injuries like spinal cord injuries that can cause a worker to be off work for weeks or months.
Electrocution and Electrical Injury Risks
Obviously, those who work in utility industries are at special risk of electrical injuries. Others may suffer electrical injuries by accidentally coming into contact with utility wires, underground wiring, or even exposed wiring in a residential setting.
Toxic Exposure Risks
A worker may be at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals or compounds, and fall severely ill. The exposure can be slow and prolonged, lasting for many years or it can be sudden and deadly.
In jobs where workers are constantly exposed to substances or gases that could be toxic, employers have a responsibility to do everything they can do make sure that workers don’t develop what are known as occupational health problems. “Black lung”, which was a common problem among coal miners is an example of an occupational health problem or disease.
Companies that work in some industries have to monitor and maintain certain air quality within their buildings or work areas. Industries that work with toxic materials must also be sure that waste disposal is properly performed and doesn’t cause safety issues for employees on the worksite.
Burn Injury Hazards
Certain industries, like refineries, maybe much more susceptible to explosion and fire hazards, which can pose a serious risk of burn injuries to workers. Such cases end with severe second and third-degree burns that can require expensive hospitalization, reconstructive surgery, and lead to long-term disability.
Loading and Unloading
Very often, these injuries include repetitive stress injuries that can lead to chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Injury risks from machinery and equipment, malfunctioning hand tools, and collisions with industrial equipment like cranes, excavators, boom lifts, and forklifts.
Proper Protective Equipment Is Required
Any job that presents some sort of regular hazard for workers must provide those workers with the proper personal protective equipment to make sure that they can perform their work safely. Jobs that require a lot of heavy lifting, for example, have to provide workers with back support belts and protective gloves and/or shoes. Construction workers are also required to wear and be provided with hardhats on the job as another example.
Safety Training Requirements
In many industries, there are state laws or safety regulations that require a company to put all new employees through training programs to make sure they are aware of and can meet all of the safety requirements for their jobs.
Miscellaneous Requirements
There are many miscellaneous requirements that companies will have to meet depending on what they do, where they are located, and the regulatory agency or agencies that oversee them. Some answer to the EPA and have a certain responsibility to the environmental health status as well as that of their workers. Some are required to have emergency response personnel on-site any time there are workers present. Still, others are open to the constant inspection of building materials.
Speak With A Walnut Creek, California Workplace Injury Lawyer
The California workplace injury lawyers at the Appel Law Firm LLP represent workers who have been injured in construction accidents, refinery explosions, factory accidents, and other workplace accidents across California. We can help you with your personal injury claim to make sure that you get the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled to for your injuries.
Negligence comes in many forms. Sometimes even something as small as not meeting permit requirements or record-keeping errors can and up causing serious injuries. When you’ve been hurt on the job because of the negligence of someone else, you have the right to seek compensation for things like medical expenses, lost wages, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and more.
The Appel Law Firm LLP in Walnut Creek is ready to stand up and fight for your right. If you’ve been injured in your workplace, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to give you a confidential and free consultation. We’ll go over the details of your case and discuss exactly what we can do to help you.
