You’ve heard the saying “penny wise and pound foolish” — but we don’t often notice when people are guilty of this kind of misjudgment. It happens all the time in individual households, and it happens just as often in business. One of the biggest examples of this kind of irrational judgment revolves around issuing personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers. Federal regulators like the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration provide guidelines that include giving workers access to proper and appropriate safety gear according to the work activities that are expected to be done on the job. Some of the most common forms of PPE include:
- Goggles
- Hard hats or helmets
- Work gloves
- Steel-toed shoes or boots
- Protective chemical suiting
But while some companies adhere very consistently to these guidelines, others don’t. What it really comes down to in many cases is a question of money – as well as a question of the philosophy that is in place at the top tiers of the business. In a very simple sense, companies either have dedication and a commitment to investing in safety, or they don’t. Business leaders who understand the greater picture when it comes to liability will gladly invest in a few hundred dollars for enough personal protective equipment to go around. By contrast, some will just see it as an irritating expense, or something that is unnecessary or frivolous, and they may even go out of their way not to provide these items. One common example is the respiratory masks that literally cost pennies. Look at a wide spectrum of contractor businesses, and you’ll see some very different ideas on whether to have workers wear these protective items on the job. Unfortunately, when companies don’t invest in safety gear, it often leads to various accidents and injuries. Without proper safety goggles, the eyes are exposed to flying material and debris. Without gloves, the hands are exposed to cuts and lacerations from equipment and manufacturing processes. It’s a simple thing to understand, but it doesn’t always get understood in the places where it can do the most good. That’s when personal injury lawyers come in. Many of those who are dedicated to representing injured workers in court have seen the range of accidents and injuries that lack of PPE can cause. They understand only too well that companies can get a return on investment that’s astronomical from just providing a few dollars for some common sense safety gear. In looking at the details of an injury case, injury lawyers will definitely look at whether proper safety gear was provided, and whether proper safety precautions were followed. They will look at every factor in a case, using federal, state and local law, along with case precedent. They’ll help their clients understand their legal options and how to bring a case in local courts.
After a Work Injury: Call New York City Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys
New York construction workers who are hit by falling objects, exposed to harsh chemicals, or otherwise hurt on the job can call the law offices of Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. Our lawyers will listen carefully and help you bring a personal injury claim through New York courts. Let us help you sort through your legal rights and options and pursue needed compensation after an accident.
