Construction workers are some of the most vulnerable workers in Pennsylvania. Due to the nature of their work, injuries are most common on construction sites. Many workers may suffer falls or accidents involving equipment or tools used on a construction site. Federal and state authorities continually encourage all employers to maintain a safe workplace.
Businesses find maintaining workplace safety helps bottom line
Workplace safety should be a major concern for all Pennsylvania businesses. Unfortunately, many businesses become lax on safety issues over time, especially if they have not had an accident that resulted in lost time or productivity in many months or even years. As time passes without an incident, both managers and workers generally become less attentive to safety needs and start taking shortcuts that are often dangerous. When a workplace accident does happen, it can reveal safety problems and issues that were being ignored. Unfortunately, an accident can cost both an injured worker and the employer dearly.
Dealing with workers' compensation denials in Pennsylvania
Workers' compensation benefits are defined as monetary compensation payable to an employee by his or her employer after the employee suffers an occupational injury. Pennsylvania law also may cover cumulative trauma and occupational diseases under its workers compensation laws. However, instances may exist in which a workers' compensation claim may be denied by the employer.
Pennsylvanian rights under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act
Among all workers in Pennsylvania, miners are among those who have a higher chance of being injured or killed on the job. Those who work in steel and related industries, as well as in construction, also face significant injury risks. To address the problems that mining accidents present to miners, the federal government enacted safety legislation in 1977 -- the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act -- that outlines miners' rights and responsibilities. Both federal and Pennsylvania authorities are tasked with enforcing the law, and its provisions to ensure that employers provide safe working environments for miners.
