Workers Compensation claims often arise due to workplace hazards, which can be avoided with proper safety protocols. However, accidents can still happen, sometimes resulting in serious injury. Whether the fault lies with the employer or employee, hazards should be identified and removed proactively to prevent incidents.
What is workplace health and safety?
Workplace health and safety processes follow NSW Government guidelines designed for fair treatment for all workers. However, claims can still be disputed. Having expert legal representation, like Taylor & Scott Lawyers, can help when your compensation claim is challenged. We’ll assist in building your case with evidence, including medical reports and witness statements, especially when health and safety guidelines have been ignored.
What are some common hazards around the workplace?
To remove hazards from the workplace, we first need to identify them. A hazard can be anything, including work practices or procedures that could potentially harm a worker. Hazards take many forms such as physical, chemical, biological and psychological, so knowing what to look for is important.
Focussing on activities and interactions in the workplace is a good start. Employers can also begin targeting workplace-specific insurance when hazards have been identified, with savings to be had. Here are some common hazards around the workplace to be aware of.
Safety Hazards: Unsafe working conditions that can result in accident, illness or death. Safety hazards are commonly associated with workers compensation claims.
Biological Hazards: Exposure to harm, disease or infection associated with humans, animals, plants, birds, etc.
Physical Hazards: Environmental factors that can cause harm to the body including radiation, ultraviolet exposure, temperature extremes, noise and dangerous work place conditions.
Ergonomic Hazards: Injuries sustained when posture or position puts strain on the body. Short-term effects include sore muscles, while long-term damage can result in serious ailments especially to backs.
Chemical Hazards: Chemicals can be solid, liquid, or gas, with some of them extremely dangerous. Chemicals have varying effects from person to person.
Work Organisational Hazards: Issues such as workload, lack of direction, poor behaviour, disrespect and other workplace demands can result in workers compensation claims.
In all these situations and more, injuries can occur. We are all imperfect, with potential for making mistakes. Accidents happen even with the oversight of OH&S guidelines, so evidence that proves a workplace hazard caused an injury or a deterioration in your health will add tremendous legal weight.
How do you report a workplace hazard?
Employees and workplace staff should report hazards to ensure safety. Hazards are often noticed only after an injury has occurred, making it important to document everything and retain evidence. You have up to 3 years to file a Workers Compensation claim, but a faster resolution may be possible. Begin your claim with a free case assessment from Taylor & Scott Lawyers.
How can your employer ensure a safe work environment?
Anyone worthy of being called an employer should be able to provide a safe work environment. There are legally binding regulations to ensure health and safety are prioritised and workplace hazards reduced. Damages can be high for employers who consciously flaunt the rules. Compliance and enforcement are strict, with prosecution possible in extreme cases of neglect.
Workers Compensation is one area where payouts are fair for employees, but the entire process can be soured by insurers who drag their feet. Taylor & Scott Lawyers are ideally placed to help and have been assisting the people of NSW win difficult cases since the company was established in 1905. Located in the heart of Sydney’s legal and financial district, Taylor & Scott remain the best way to make employers, negligent persons and insurance companies take notice of your claim.
Your complimentary Taylor & Scott ‘case assessment’ will ascertain if your claim has genuine merit and should be lodged. We are honest, up-front, and encouraging, offering every legal assistance you need to get the compensation results you deserve.
