Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency tasked with ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees throughout the United States. OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards while also providing training, outreach, and education to reduce hazards. These protections are critical for preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. However, despite OSHA’s efforts, violations of safety standards still occur, placing workers at significant risk. If you have been injured due to unsafe working conditions or an employer’s failure to comply with OSHA regulations, you should contact an attorney about your right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. The trusted Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., possess the skills and resources needed to help injured workers protect their interests, and if you hire us, we can help you explore your legal options and pursue appropriate remedies.

OSHA, established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, plays a vital role in safeguarding workers from hazards in various industries. The agency’s standards address a wide range of issues, including fall protection, hazardous materials handling, machinery operation, and personal protective equipment requirements. Employers covered by OSHA are legally obligated to comply with these standards and to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.

OSHA protections extend to most private-sector employees in Maryland and across the country, as well as certain public-sector workers. Key components of OSHA’s mission include conducting workplace inspections, investigating reports of unsafe conditions, and enforcing compliance through fines and other penalties for violations. The agency also establishes workers’ rights, such as the right to report safety concerns, request an OSHA inspection, and access information about workplace hazards without fear of retaliation.

Despite these protections, workplace accidents and illnesses still occur when employers fail to adhere to OSHA standards. For example, a construction site that lacks proper fall protection measures may expose workers to the risk of serious injury or death. Similarly, failure to properly store or label hazardous chemicals can result in severe injuries or illnesses. When employers prioritize productivity over safety or neglect their obligations under OSHA, workers are the ones who suffer the consequences.

Under Maryland law, employees injured on the job are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of whether their employer violated OSHA standards. These benefits include medical expenses, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent disabilities. However, workers’ compensation does not typically cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which can be significant in cases involving serious injuries.

In addition to pursuing workers’ compensation benefits, injured workers may have legal options if an OSHA violation caused their injuries. For example, OSHA violations may serve as evidence of employer negligence in certain third-party claims or cases involving gross misconduct. Maryland law also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report safety concerns or file complaints with OSHA. Workers who experience retaliation, such as termination, demotion, or harassment, may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies.

OSHA does not provide direct compensation to injured workers but investigates complaints and issues citations for violations. If you believe your employer has violated OSHA standards, filing a complaint with OSHA is an important step toward ensuring accountability and preventing future injuries. 

Workplace safety is a fundamental right, and employers have a legal duty to provide safe and compliant working environments. If you have been injured due to unsafe conditions or an employer’s failure to follow OSHA regulations, you may have the right to recover workers’ compensation benefits, and you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., are skilled at handling complex claims, and if we represent you, we will diligently pursue the benefits you deserve. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we regularly represent injured workers in Hyattsville, Rockville, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Waldorf, Silver Spring, La Plata, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across Maryland. You can reach us at (301) 441-2022 or via our form online to set up a confidential and free meeting.