At CHARNAUD, we realise being injured on duty is traumatic, especially if you work in a high-risk industry such as firefighting and industrial construction. The risks are higher and the injuries more serious – so serious, in fact, that you don’t only need to worry about the injury but about the prospect of never being able to work again.

Five Things You Need to Know About Injuries on Duty

You need to be aware of your rights when it comes to being injured on the job so that you can best protect yourself before an accident occurs and if the worst-case-scenario does indeed happen. Keep reading the blog as we reveal five key things that you need to know when it comes to injuries on duty.

1. You Employer Must Provide You With Adequate PPE

By law, your employer must provide you with a safe working environment. This can mean a safe office that is free of faults like faulty stairs or electricals, or it can mean going above and beyond by providing a safe environment but then also providing you with additional safety PPE.

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In the case where PPE is necessary, it must also be provided for free by your employer, be appropriate for what you do at work, and it must fit you correctly. In addition, it must meet safety standards and be accompanied by safety training, which all of the PPE in our range of products offers.

2. Some of the Most Common Causes of Workplace Accidents

Though your employer is responsible for providing you with a safe working environment, you have responsibilities as well. One of those responsibilities is to follow any and all safety requirements and procedures.

Considering that taking shortcuts at work and neglecting laid out safety procedures are two of the most common causes behind a workplace injury, following the rules is one of the most important things that you can do. Not only will it protect you from being injured, but it will also help any compensation you apply for if you are hurt.

3. You Can Report Employers (& Employees) Before Accidents Happen

Don’t assume that just because your employer is not heeding your warning about an issue that you have run out of options. If you believe that there is an issue that could cause harm to yourself or someone else, then you can, and absolutely should, contact the authorities or an employment lawyer of the violations.

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4. You Have a Right to Refuse Unsafe Working Conditions

If you have reason to believe the conditions are unsafe, then you have a right to refuse work. When you do, find an employment lawyer to take your case to force your employer to make the safety improvements you and your co-workers need to continue to do your jobs in a safe working environment.

5. You Can Fight for Compensation

There is a compensation sum set out by the Labour Board in South Africa. Compensation covers a variety of costs, depending on the severity of your injury. There are two different compensation claims you can make, for example, depending on whether you are temporarily injured or face a lifetime disability that inhibits you from working.

Reach Out to CHARNAUD Today

Get in touch with us today to learn more about us and how we can assist in preventing worksite injuries in your organisation.

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