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Back to all postsEvery job has its own unique set of risks when it comes to workplace injuries, especially here in Montana. This also means difference forms of workplace safety. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry published a Montana Occupational Injuries & Illnesses 2022 Report discussing the statistics of workplace injuries and illnesses in Montana. According to this report, in 2022 the highest rate of workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in the transportation and warehousing industry. In this industry injuries occurred at a rate of 5.6 injuries for every 100 full-time workers.
Your employer is responsible for taking precautions to prevent and lower the risk of injuries and occupational disease development in the workplace. Protecting workers’ health and safety can be achieved in several ways.
Safety Procedures
Providing Proper Training & Equipment
Employers should educate workers about job-related dangers and preventive measures from the start. By implementing this preventative training, you reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses right from the beginning. However, ongoing training is crucial, so companies should repeat safety courses regularly throughout employment. Training courses are also offered on workplace safety through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Having a written safety protocol manual also protects employees by having a resource available for referencing at all times.
In addition to training and education, employers must provide the proper safety gear for their employees. Examples include hard hats for construction workers, gloves for handling toxic substances, ergonomic chairs and keyboards for office workers, and spinal support for heavy machinery operators and truckers, among others.
Health Screenings
Some employers offer regular health evaluations for workers who work in particularly high-risk industries. Occupational diseases often develop gradually, so regular screenings can help detect early signs and symptoms before the condition progresses too far. While it would be nice if all employers offered health visits like this for high-risk environment workers, not all of them do. It makes it even more important to stay up to date with your primary care providers.
In addition to regular screenings, following your doctor’s treatment plan is essential. A health screening is only helpful if you follow through with your treatment plan. Following a prescribed plan will also help your workers compensation claim or Social Security disability claim.
Complying with Regulations
The Montana Occupational Safety and Health Act regulates and guides workplace health and safety. These laws are designed to reduce the risk of occupational diseases in the state. Employers must comply with these rules. Complying ensures a safer workplace for the workers. Non-compliance not only puts employees at risk but can also result in fines or even license revocation.
While state laws enforce general safety standards, employers should implement their own additional safety measures and protocols. Montana’s safety codes tend to be broad, given the variety of job-specific risks. Each industry must address their own occupational safety and health risks by implementing tailored emergency response protocols and safety measures. For example, an employer running a cattle ranch needs to be prepared for hazards that can arise from dangerous livestock interactions. This type of risk doesn’t exist in an office setting. An employer of an office job needs to be prepared for the risks of potential carpal tunnel from repetitive hand movements and typing.
How Can We Build a Safer Future for Montana’s Workers?
Following your employers safety guides, partaking in safety trainings, and using the proper supplies are all steps you can take to ensure you are staying safe at work. Having health screenings and following your doctor’s advice can also prevent a lot of health problems. However, accidents happen, injuries can occur, and diseases can develop even with the safety measures in place. Which is why the workers compensation system is in place.
In 2022 there were 12,190 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses according to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry which increased from the 12,100 recorded in 2021. Preventing an increase in this number year by year is reliant on following proper safety precautions. But in the event you are injured at work or develop an illness as a result of your occupation, contact an experienced workers compensation attorney for guidance.
Call (406) 549-3323 to set up a free consultation with Rasmusson Law Offices in Missoula, Montana.