Virtual Training May Reduce Risk Of Workplace Injuries In Ohio

Employers are required by federal law to provide safe working environments for their employees. This right is protected by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, a law enacted to help reduce the risk of workplace injuries and fatalities. This law, responsible for the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), also requires employers train employees on methods that can help avoid injuries in hazardous situations.

Advances in technology may provide employers with new ways to protect workers from harm. Tactus Technologies, a spinoff company of the University of Buffalo, recently designed a virtual reality program that can be used to train forklift operators. The program provides a simulation of various environments that a forklift operator may encounter and allows the user to practice with a steering wheel, joystick and pedals similar to those that he or she would use while on the job.

This program is expected to reduce the risk of workplace accidents by allowing workers to complete interactive training sessions, as opposed to the more traditional, passive classroom setting. The founders claim the program can be widely used, since it is available for a low, reasonable cost.

Although this specific program focuses on forklift operator training, the technology could apply to various training programs and help reduce the risk of injury in many job settings.

Workers' Compensation Basics

Those injured on the job are entitled to benefits through the workers' compensation program. These benefits are designed to provide coverage for many costs, including medical care and lost wages while recovering from the injury.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation notes that the workers' compensation program is designed to provide workers with an efficient pathway to prompt payment for injuries received while on the job. In exchange, workers generally give up their ability to sue the employer. This system is designed to provide prompt payment to the employee while keeping the overall cost low for businesses. This is achieved by cutting out the court system - saving time for the employee and money for the employer.

Workers' Compensation In Ohio

Workers' compensation claims in Ohio are generally filed through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). The BWC provides forms online to ease the process of applying for benefits. However, if the paperwork is not properly completed the claim may be denied, a process the BWC refers to as "disallowing" a claim.

Workers whose claims are disallowed can appeal the decision, but generally must do so within 14 days of the denial.

It can be difficult for workers to secure the full benefits they are entitled to. As a result, if you or a loved one is making an initial claim or filing an appeal for a disallowance, it is important to contact an experienced Ohio workers' compensation attorney to better ensure a successful outcome.