Many Illinois construction companies seek to shift the blame for a construction accident to an injured worker. A worker can help counter these tactics by demonstrating that there were OSHA violations present at a job site.
Violations of federal workplace safety laws can show that an employer had a history of lax safety standards which may have contributed to a worker’s accident. These violations can help lessen an employer’s opposition to a workers’ compensation case.
Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover the medical costs that result when a construction worker is injured on the job. These are benefits paid by an employer or an employer’s insurer, and cannot be passed onto an employee. Workers’ compensation benefits can be difficult to obtain in Illinois however, because the workers’ comp laws are very complex and full of traps designed to favor employers.
Employees who are injured on the job should seek the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation law firm before filing their claim. Workers who feel like their workplace is unsafe can always contact the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration for help.
“Workers, or their representatives, may file a complaint and ask OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA standards,” OSHA officials said. “A worker can tell OSHA not to let their employer know who filed the complaint. It is a violation of the Act for an employer to fire, demote, transfer or discriminate in any way against a worker for filing a complaint or using other OSHA rights.”