Workers Compensation claims related to workplace hazards are often avoidable, with the finger of blame pointed at both employer and employee at different times. Common sense would hint that hazards can be easily identified and removed, but there are situations when unexpected accidents or incidents occur, often with risk of serious injury.
Many industries expect new employees to have OH&S skills, while employment options abound for those with specific attainments such as first aiders, childcare workers, security officers and health and safety orientated workers. Every employee should have a compensation package in place in case of accident, and the state workers compensation scheme is a safety net workers in NSW appreciate.
What is workplace health and safety?
Workplace health and safety processes follow NSW Government guidelines designed for fair treatment for everyone. The system isn’t perfect however, and it’s not uncommon for workers compensation claims to be disputed. Workplace health and safety legislation is easily understood with Taylor & Scott guidance, including workers Compensation claims where you need expert legal representation.
Your compensation claim should be backed by evidence to prove your case. If possible, retain all documents, medical reports, statements and other materials related to your accident or incident. If it needs to be proved that workplace health and safety guidelines have been overlooked or ignored, Taylor & Scott will help build your case. Even ‘no fault’ payouts are disputed by insurance companies and employers, making the additional leverage of Taylor & Scott Workers Compensation Lawyers the best way to speed up negotiations.
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 person. 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?
For overall workplace safety, a workplace hazard assessment will bring focus. By taking the above categories into account with a workplace-specific approach, your assessment will carry authority. Hazards should be logged by official workplace staff or by employees of outsourced services such as security guards and concierge staff.
Workplace hazards are often only noticed after the event, when someone has been seriously injured. The difficulties encountered during rehabilitation are compounded with the addition of financial strain, making workers compensation claims a difficult procedure for many people. However, the more information you retain the better, and you do have the luxury of waiting up to 3 years before claim time limits expire. For a faster claims method, try our free Taylor & Scott case assessment and the opportunity to appreciate our ‘no-win, no-fee’ approach.
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 is 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.
At Taylor & Scott, ‘We Care For You’.