New York workers who are exposed to toxic chemicals may suffer serious injuries or even die. However, there are steps that chemical plant managers can take to reduce the risk that a worker is injured. To prevent chemical burns, chemical inhalation or general chemical exposure, it is important to have a safety plan. One of the most common causes of accidents is human complacency.
Having a safety plan and sticking to it may prevent workers from taking shortcuts or otherwise making mistakes that put themselves and others in danger. Workers should be properly trained in all aspects of their work such as loading or unloading to ensure that they are doing so in a proper manner. They should also be trained on how to correct an error as well as what to do if a problem arises.
Failing to maintain safety equipment may also lead to injuries at work. Injuries may occur when an employee is working with a machine that malfunctions or while attempting to fix an issue with something that hasn’t been properly maintained. Ideally, equipment will relatively easy to use to reduce the odds that workers take shortcuts that can lead to improper use.
Workplace accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits may allow them to recoup some of their lost wages as well as have medical bills reimbursed by the employer’s insurer. Those who are not able to return to work because of an injury may be entitled to permanent benefits. If a claim is denied, it may be worthwhile to talk to an attorney about what the next step in the workers’ compensation process may be.
