OSHA And The Lessons Workers Should Learn From A Superhero Movie

Nov 14, 2014 | WC & Other Laws

With the Amazing Spiderman 2 featuring a man who turns into a superhuman, it would not be surprising if people’s idea of workplace accidents becomes far from the truth. After all, if Hollywood is to be believed, nothing is more convenient as a source of superpower than a lucky workplace mishap. Yet accidents happen every time and a superhero capable of superhuman feats has yet to appear. What we do have are stories of people who have lost their capacity to secure a living or of lost lives.

Considering the rules and regulations imposed upon businesses for the benefit of workers, workplace accidents should really be kept to a minimum. The Occupational Safety and Health Act, otherwise known as OSHA, commands business owners to provide their personnel with a safe working environment. This is supplemented by laws that individual states create to care for their manpower.

Where OSHA is followed, it covers every worker in the organization, regardless of title or status. This means that everyone is under the protection of this law – from the executives, to the managers, stockholders, and the rank-and-file employees. This entails that the workplace be made free of so-called “recognized threats” that may cause injury or death to workers.

Learn More About Colorado Workers’ Compensation Time Limits

These threats or hazards can be anything from harmful substances to unsafe conditions and dangerous practices. OSHA dictates that these hazards should be removed and that employees should be trained to handle them, whether they are within the confines of the building or in another location, as in the case of construction and demolition sites. Having safety equipment available is also a must.

The OSHA also dictates that businesses comply with various requirements in terms of reporting, posting, and recordkeeping. OSHA inspections will be conducted regularly to ensure that the provisions of the law are met as required. The person in charge is mandated to submit a documentation of the organization’s efforts to abide by the stipulations of the OSHA.

Finally, the OSHA guarantees the rights of workers to keep themselves safe from any harm that their workplace may pose against them. They are allowed to take necessary action to ensure that their workplace is safe for them. They are allowed to file complaints with OSHA regarding unsafe workplace conditions or practices or refuse to work should they deem their well-being threatened in the workplace. They can do all these with the assurance that they will face no retaliation from the business. Any business owner who tries to suppress the workers’ rights may be charged with fines and penalties, among others.

In the case of Colorado, the federal OSHA covers only the private sector, such as private businesses, commercial establishments, and non-profit organizations. The public sector in Colorado is covered by federal agent safety and health rules, and not by the OSHA.

If you or someone you know had been injured while in the workplace or while doing an official duty outside the workplace, you are eligible for workers’ compensation claim. Call Kaplan Morrell at 303-780-7329, and speak with one of our experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys.