As summer approaches we often become lax in our assessment of safety issues. Be prepared. You have the right to a safe work environment
Summertime approaches, and with it the number of students in the workforce increases dramatically. Unfortunately, many workplaces are not up to safety standards, and put many students at risk, with very unfortunate results, including fatalities.
If you, or someone you know, works in what might be considered a safety issue environment, make sure you realize you DO have rights, and your safety is worth more than keeping that job. Many students tell me they are afraid to speak out about unsafe practices at their place of employment, and that they are dependant on that income. I ask them this - if you are injured or die on the job - do you really think you are covered and that you will be compensated for loss of limb or your family for loss of life? Even if you DO get some kind of pay-out, think carefully - is it really worth it? Your life will change forever.
ALL employees need to stand up and refuse to work in an unsafe environment. If you lose your job because you are concerned for not just your own safety but of others as well, do you really think that job would have covered you for any loss sustained in an injury? Careful - Workman's Comp does NOT cover everyone - and to get any compensation you may have to sue the employer - again, money out of pocket while you try and live with the pain, injury, or even death.
Check with your Personnel department for your Employee Handbook, as well as your company's Safety Practices. Just a small company? You still have the right to a safe environment.
It's your life. Take control of your surroundings.
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Copyright May 31, 2007. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
