New Jersey employers and their employees might benefit from learning more about the fall protections available for workplace use. Fall protection is not a science that every employer has perfected yet. Some of the factors to consider include identifying which equipment purchases to make, defining roles and responsibilities, fulfilling different requirements and choosing the best solutions for specific applications. Gaining clarity on these issues may help ensure worker safety.
According to industry experts, many enterprises struggle because they are ill-prepared and don’t already have fall protection protocols in place. When these decisions are made hastily in reaction to a workplace incident, the end result is less likely to actually function in the best interest of the workers. Often times, financial prudence takes precedence for decision makers in these circumstances. In order to effectively resolve these situations, there should already be a team established of individuals with defined roles and responsibilities already in place .
When the decision makers consider fall protection to be a discretionary expenditure, the business may be exposed to preventable risks, such as medical expenses, legal fees, fines or shutdowns. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires all employers to provide adequate protection for any employees working at least 4 feet above ground level.
Despite all safety precautions, workplace accidents will continue to occur. A person who has been injured on the job may want to obtain the assistance of an attorney when preparing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include the provision of required medical care as well as a percentage of wages lost during the recovery period.