When working in a dangerous environment, it's important to be aware of the potential threats which could cause serious injury. Certain industries are more prone to workplace accidents than others, and employees in these fields need to take special precautions to ensure they are not a work accident victim. Farm workers are often put into potentially hazardous situations, which is why the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation hopes to improve awareness of common dangers and help farmers avoid workplace accidents.
A recent statement from the BWC focused on the potential dangers of farm workers, hoping to convince employers and employees alike to take some preventative action to avoid future workplace injuries or deaths. This push for increased safety may come as a result of record high deaths in 2010, in which 26 farm workers were fatally injured throughout the country.
As part of their initiative to improve workplace safety throughout Ohio, the BWC is offering training which could help workers avoid injuries. The BWC stressed common situations which endanger farm workers, such as getting caught in moving machinery or having an unsecured fall. However, they particularly focused on safety in and around grain bins. While they advise no one enter grain bins, if it is absolutely necessary they suggest taking extra precautions, always having a spotter trained in rescues, and never entering the bin without first turning off all equipment.
When a job takes place in unsafe working conditions, employees often get hurt. When this happens, it is important that the injured workers understand their workers compensation rights. While workers compensation payments will often be paid out to those injured on the job, they may not cover the full extent of expenses that ought to be covered. In the case that an employee is concerned about receiving the full benefits they deserve, it can be beneficial to discuss their injuries with an experienced legal professional.
Source: ehstoday.com, "Ohio Workers' Comp Bureau Warns of Grain Bin Dangers," Sandy Smith, Aug. 14, 2013