Tips for Avoiding a Workers' Compensation Lawsuit

Workers' Compensation insurance can help protect your business' financial assets when a worker is injured on the job or due to a work-related task. While you may think this coverage can help protect you from all work injury claims, that is not always the case. There are extra precautions that can be taken to improve your protection from being involved in a lawsuit from a workers' compensation claim. As your Lake of the Ozarks attorney, I know how important it is to protect your business. Take a look below to find some extra ways you can help to prevent a work injury at your business.

Perform a Complete Training with New Employees

A complete and thorough new employee orientation should be performed with all new workers who join your team. Walk through your business and get all employees familiar with your property. Point out any dangerous areas in which the employee should avoid or any equipment that they are not authorized to use. After you've been on a tour of your property, clearly show each employee the ins and outs of their daily tasks. Will they be working in any dangerous areas or with equipment? Make sure to point those items out. Also, ensure your employees know how to use safety equipment and that these items are actually being used.

Remind Employees of Work Safety Annually

On a yearly basis, host a refresher course for workplace safety for your business. It's a good way to remind everyone of the potential dangers that are out there on a daily basis and helps to keep good safety tips top of mind. These training courses can help to remind your employees of safety precautions that should be followed on a daily basis.

Mark Dangerous Areas Clearly

If there are areas that are off-limits to certain employees, be sure these areas are clearly marked. In addition to marking off areas, verbally explain to all employees why this area is dangerous and off-limits. It's important for people to be aware of why they shouldn't be in a certain area, instead of just blocking it off.

Provide Safe Equipment for Employees

Ensure all equipment your employees use is safe. Whether it's a ladder, forklift, or other items, workers should be able to have equipment that works properly for them to help complete their job duties. Also, encourage an open relationship with all employees in which they feel comfortable letting you know about any hazards or dangers with the equipment that they use.

Don't Forget OSHA

The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSH Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. It's important that you meet these standards in your workplace, not just for safety for your employees, but also to help you avoid a lawsuit. You will also need to have appropriate OSHA publications displayed in your workplace.

Are you ready to make these changes around your business? It's important to ensure your work environment is safe for all of your employees. These safety steps may not prevent a workers' compensation lawsuit, but it can help to reduce the chance that one will occur. If you do find your business in the middle of a workers' compensation lawsuit at the Lake of the Ozarks, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away. We can help evaluate your case and make legal recommendations for your business.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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