As a worker, your safety should always be a top priority in your workplace. Unfortunately, some employers may not prioritize the well-being of their employees and neglect to follow proper safety protocols. This can result in severe consequences for workers, including injuries and even death.
Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in West Palm Beach if you’re injured at work. The team at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. is dedicated to helping workers receive the proper compensation they deserve for workplace injuries.
Here are some red flags you might notice if your employer isn’t following safety protocols.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance Records
Inadequate vehicle maintenance can pose significant risks to employees and the public. When employers neglect necessary checks, the potential for dangerous incidents increases dramatically.
Examples of accidents caused by insufficient maintenance include:
- Brake Failures: A lack of regular brake inspections can result in sudden brake malfunctions, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Tire Blowouts: Worn-out tires, if not replaced promptly, can lead to blowouts, causing loss of control and subsequent accidents.
- Engine Malfunctions: Failing to perform routine engine maintenance can result in breakdowns on the road, potentially leading to serious traffic hazards.
- Electrical System Failures: Poor upkeep of electrical components can cause system failures, which might result in loss of vehicle functions and accidents.
As an employee, you must be aware of your employer’s vehicle maintenance records and speak up if you notice any red flags. If your employer has a history of neglecting vehicle maintenance, they may also cut corners in other areas that could affect your safety.
A Lack of Safety Training Programs
A lack of safety training programs can be a major concern in the workplace. Florida law requires employers to ensure that all employees are adequately trained in safety protocols. These training sessions are important for preventing accidents and ensuring everyone knows how to stay safe on the job.
If your employer isn’t providing regular training or refresher courses, this could be a red flag indicating they do not comply with safety regulations. Without proper training, you and your co-workers may not know how to handle hazardous situations, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
If you’ve been injured at work due to employer negligence, you need to seek compensation. The first step to accomplishing this goal is to find a workers’ compensation attorney near you.
Outdated Safety Equipment
Employers should ensure all vehicles have modern safety features to protect their employees on the road. The absence of properly functioning seatbelts, airbags, or emergency kits might indicate neglect of safety standards and pose significant risks.
Lack of Seatbelt Maintenance
Seatbelts are a fundamental safety feature in any vehicle. Malfunctioning or worn seatbelts can fail to secure the wearer during an accident, significantly increasing the risk of injury. Employers should inspect and maintain all seatbelts to reduce potential safety hazards.
Absence of Airbags
Airbags provide crucial protection in the event of a collision. Vehicles without functioning airbags expose occupants to severe injury risks during crashes. Employers need to confirm that every vehicle in their fleet has properly installed and operational airbags. Regular checks can prevent many injuries.
Missing Emergency Kits
Emergency kits, including items like first aid supplies and roadside flares, are essential in case of breakdowns or accidents. A vehicle lacking these kits reflects a disregard for employee safety and preparedness. Employers should stock each vehicle with a complete kit and replace expired items.
Inadequate Vehicle Lighting
Proper lighting is vital for safe driving, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Burnt-out headlights, taillights, or turn signals can increase the risk of accidents. Employers must ensure all lights function correctly to uphold safety standards and reduce liability.
Contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer in West Palm Beach is important if you’ve suffered an injury due to outdated safety equipment. They specialize in holding negligent employers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Ignoring Employee Concerns
If you speak up about a safety issue at your job that is constantly ignored or downplayed, it could be a sign that your employer doesn’t care much about following safety rules. Employers in Florida are legally required to address safety issues to protect their workers. When they overlook these concerns, it shows a lack of respect for the health and well-being of their employees.
This behavior puts employees at risk and goes against state employee safety statutes. If you experience this type of disregard for safety, seeking legal help from a workers’ compensation attorney is important to protect your rights and well-being.
Inconsistent Accident Reporting
Employers have a legal obligation to report all workplace accidents accurately. This is important because accurate reports help identify safety issues that need addressing. When accidents are not reported correctly, it can lead to misunderstandings about how they occurred and what needs to be fixed to prevent them in the future.
If you notice that your employer’s accident reports are missing information or seem incorrect, it might mean they’re trying to cover up mistakes or safety rule violations. When employers do not report accidents correctly, it can put you and your co-workers at risk for more injuries.
Contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer in West Palm Beach can help protect your rights when accidents are not reported accurately.
Don’t Ignore These Red Flags
It’s important to pay attention to these red flags and take action when you see them. Your safety is essential, and employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment for their employees.
The first thing you should do after being injured on the job is contact the team at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in West Palm Beach can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.