In America, millions of workers are injured every year. Yet, many workplace injuries go unreported, often because of fear of employer retaliation. While it is unlawful to fire an employee for submitting an injury claim, retribution still occurs in many forms. It’s an understandable concern for many work accident attorneys in Cincinnati and their clients. However, reporting injuries is important for maintaining job safety and protecting worker rights.
What the Law Says
Ohio and many other states have work injury laws that make it illegal for employers to retaliate against workers for reporting work-related illnesses or injuries and filing a workers’ comp claim. By offering legal protection against retaliation, these regulations encourage open communication about injuries and help improve safety standards and working conditions.
Fears About Reporting Workplace Injuries
Laws against retaliation exist because punishing workers undermines the workers’ comp program. It also contributes to a hostile work environment. Despite legal protections, retribution against employees still occurs in the form of firing, cutting hours, denying overtime, reducing wages, and other illegal actions.
As intimidating as it may be, it’s crucial to document and report every workplace injury to your supervisor. Failure to do so can affect your eligibility for medical reimbursement and other benefits that the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) provides. Fortunately, having a local workers’ comp litigator on your side can be helpful when filing your claim.
Workplace Hazards Aren’t Just Part of the Job
When discussing jobs more prone to illness or injury, it’s not helpful to normalize occupational hazards, as if employees should tolerate certain strains, pains, or other injuries. However, many workers don’t see an injury as something to report, often reasoning that they can do the job or aren’t “complainers.”
Employees may also perceive a hazard as an inevitable or necessary part of the job. This reluctance to report injuries can create a culture of underreporting, where the true prevalence of workplace risks remains hidden.
A Cincinnati Attorney in Workers’ Comp Has Your Back
Employers are responsible for protecting workers against injury and illness and creating safe work environments. As a worker, you should be able to do your job without the threat of harm. When you get hurt, you have the right to report it and file a workers’ comp claim, regardless of the work you perform.
If you have been injured at work or feel your employer has taken unfavorable action against you for submitting a claim, contact the local workers’ comp team at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, LPA, Co. They can help you understand your rights when filing a BWC claim, and they’ll fight for you if you experience retaliation for reporting your injury.