In the state of Nevada, all employers are required to carry some form of workers compensation insurance. When you’re injured on the job, you must notify your employer of the injury right away and they must provide you with a claim form. They will then submit the claim to their insurance company to be paid out. Being injured on the job can is not something that can always be avoided. However, there are a few things you can do to avoid many common accidents in the workplace. Here are a few of the things you can do to try to stay safe while at work.
Stay Alert and Aware
One of the best things you can do to help avoid accidents in the workplace is to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Think about it like when you are on the roadway. When you are out driving, you take in your surroundings. You look at other cars, bicyclists and pedestrians, trying to predict what they may do and how it may affect you. It should be the same when you are at work. You should be aware of your surroundings, what obstacles may in front of you and what you will do if challenges arise.
Don’t Cut Corners
Another way to decrease the odds of accidents happening in the workplace is to allow yourself enough time to finish the task at hand and to avoid cutting corners. When you are in a hurry, you may be in a rush and cut corners. You may be walking faster or running to one location or you may forget to go through your safety checklist. Either way, you can end up injuring yourself or other employees in your hurry.
Use Safety Equipment
Your employer should provide you with safety equipment when you are working in an environment that warrants it. This may include things like safety goggles to protect your eyes, earplugs to protect your ears or hard hats to protect your head. If your employee has provided you with safety equipment, be sure to always use it appropriately and wear it when needed. If you feel you need safety equipment and do not have any, be sure to bring the subject up with your supervisor, their boss or your human resources specialist.
Follow All Safety Guidelines
As you work and complete your job, be sure to follow all safety guidelines. The rules and guidelines have been put in place to protect you. Failing to follow rules allows not only yourself but other employees to be injured. Additionally, if you are not complying with safety guidelines, you can be written up, reprimanded or even fired.
Ergonomically Adjust Your Work Station
Those who work at a desk typing all day may feel relatively safe. However, repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel, are among the most common types of workplace injuries. If you sit and type all day, have your desk ergonomically adjusted to decrease the odds of carpal tunnel, neck strain and to help your posture. Also, be sure to take frequent breaks to stretch your back, neck, and arms.
Report Unsafe Working Conditions
Lastly, it is up to you as an employee to report any unsafe conditions. Your supervisors or bosses may not see everything you do. If something is unsafe, let them know. If you have let them know and they have not made any changes to make the environment safer, you may have to go above their heads. In Nevada, you can report workplace hazards to the Nevada OSHA Bureau. You may also be unable to report unsafe working conditions to the Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner. Both of these offices can take a report, investigate your complaints, and force the employer to make changes if required by law.
Conclusion
If you have been injured on the job in the greater Las Vegas area, you are able to file a workers compensation claim. If your claim is denied, if your employer does not have coverage or if you want help with your claim and want to ensure you receive the maximum settlement’s amount, you should consider hiring a Las Vegas workers compensation attorney. Here at Edward Bernstein & Associates, we can help you with all of your workers’ compensation legal needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.