Complete Guide to Workplace Hazards in Pennsylvania

January 8, 2026 | Workplace Accidents

Complete Guide to Workplace Hazards in Pennsylvania

Workplace hazards put Pennsylvania workers at risk for serious injuries every day. From construction sites in Harrisburg to manufacturing plants across the state, employees face workplace hazards. These hazards include physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic dangers.

It is important to understand these hazards and your employers’ legal obligations, including workers’ compensation. Keep reading to learn more. 

Types of Workplace Hazards in Pennsylvania

There are four main categories of workplace hazards:

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards include prolonged exposure to noise, which can lead to permanent hearing loss. 

Falls are another common hazard. There is a high risk of falling from cranes, scaffolds, ladders, and tall structures in the construction industry. Harrisburg manufacturing plants use large machines that can cause amputations and crushing injuries.

Ergonomic Hazards

These hazards include lifting at warehouses throughout Pennsylvania. It also includes repetitive-motion injuries from assembly-line work and other jobs that require repetitive motion.

Chemical Hazards

Pennsylvania workers may be exposed to dangerous and potentially toxic substances at work. The manufacturing and steel industries in Pennsylvania use numerous chemicals that can be hazardous. One example is “pickle liquor” used in steelmaking. Chemical plants and petroleum refineries can produce fumes that can cause severe long-term health issues for workers.

Biological Hazards

Workers may be exposed to biological hazards, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which can cause illness and disease. Agriculture and food service workers may be exposed to E. coli, Salmonella, or mold. Healthcare workers in Pennsylvania are often exposed to infectious agents that can cause life-threatening conditions.

Most Dangerous Industries for Pennsylvania Workers

Workers may be injured or develop occupational illnesses at any job. 

However, some of the most dangerous industries for Pennsylvania workers include:

  • Education & Health Services 
  • Trade & Transportation 
  • Construction 
  • Manufacturing 

Some of the most common causes of injuries included overexertion from pushing, lifting, and pulling. Other leading causes include falling, being struck by objects, and bumping into objects. Fractures, amputations, and burns generally occur in high-risk environments.

OSHA Standards and Employer Responsibilities

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces safety standards for employers. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers have specific responsibilities to provide a safe workplace. 

Employer responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Complying with regulations, standards, and rules of the OSH Act
  • Providing a safe work environment free from recognized hazards
  • Providing employees with safe equipment and tools to use
  • Ensuring tools and equipment are adequately maintained
  • Using posters, signs, labels, and color codes to warn of potential hazards
  • Providing safety training for employees
  • Developing and communicating the operating procedures for safety and health requirements
  • Maintaining records of all work-related illnesses and injuries
  • Developing and implementing a written hazard communication program 
  • Providing employee training if hazardous chemicals are in the workplace

When employers violate OSHA regulations, employees are put at risk. Knowing what to do after a workplace accident can help protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome.

Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system provides no-fault insurance for work-related injuries. Most employers in Pennsylvania are required to provide workers’ compensation for their employees. 

Workers’ compensation benefits may include:

  • Medical benefits to pay for necessary and reasonable medical treatment
  • Loss of income benefits, including temporary and permanent disability benefits
  • Benefits for specific loss or disfigurement
  • Death benefits

You typically have 120 days from the injury date to file a workers’ compensation claim. If your claim is denied, you generally have three years to file a claim petition to appeal the denial. Report all injuries to your employer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Workers may have claims against third parties for additional economic damages. Third-party claims can also include non-economic damages that are usually not available in a workers’ compensation claim. An example of a third-party claim could be a lawsuit for injuries caused by defective machinery.

How to Report Unsafe Working Conditions

According to the Whistleblower Protection webpage, you can file a safety and health complaint by:

  • Using the online form
  • Calling OSHA at 800-321-6742
  • In person at your local OSHA office
  • Using fax or mail

Employers are generally prohibited from discriminating against employees for exercising their rights under workplace safety laws.

Contact Our Harrisburg Workplace Accident Lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for a Free Consultation

Were you injured due to workplace hazards in Pennsylvania? If so, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or additional damages. Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates to schedule a free consultation with our Harrisburg workplace accident lawyers. 

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

Marzzacco Niven & Associates York
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Wyomissing
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lancaster
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lebanon
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963