OSHA Workplace Investigation

When workplace conditions result in serious injuries, illnesses, or fatalities, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may initiate a workplace investigation to determine whether an employer violated safety regulations. OSHA workplace investigations play a critical role in identifying and addressing hazards, holding employers accountable for unsafe practices, and preventing future incidents. For injured workers, these investigations can provide valuable and support claims for benefits. If you are navigating the aftermath of a workplace injury or an OSHA investigation, it is wise to talk to an attorney about your rights. The experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., can evaluate your case and help you take the steps necessary to protect your interests. 

Various events, including employee complaints, reports of severe injuries or fatalities, and random inspections in high-risk industries, trigger OSHA workplace investigations. These investigations aim to determine whether an employer has violated OSHA standards and enforce compliance through citations, fines, or corrective actions. OSHA inspectors, also known as compliance officers, examine workplace conditions, review records, and interview employees to assess compliance with federal safety regulations.

An OSHA investigation typically begins with a review of the workplace to identify hazards that may have contributed to the incident in question. Inspectors may evaluate whether the employer provided proper training, implemented safety protocols, and supplied adequate personal protective equipment. If violations are found, OSHA may issue citations that detail the specific infractions and require corrective action within a specified timeframe.

For workers, OSHA investigations are a vital tool for improving safety conditions and holding negligent employers accountable. The findings of an investigation can also serve as evidence in workers’ compensation claims or other legal actions. For instance, if OSHA determines that a company failed to provide fall protection equipment at a construction site, this finding may support a claim for benefits by an injured worker.

Maryland workers’ compensation laws provide benefits to employees injured in workplace accidents, regardless of who was at fault. These benefits include coverage for medical expenses, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent disabilities. While separate from workers’ compensation, the findings of an OSHA workplace investigation can provide critical evidence in disputes over workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if an employer argues that an employee’s injury was unrelated to workplace conditions, OSHA’s documentation of safety violations may help establish the connection. Additionally, OSHA violations can support third-party claims in cases where a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or other party contributed to unsafe conditions.

It is important to note that filing a workers’ compensation claim does not preclude employees from reporting safety concerns to OSHA or cooperating with an investigation. Maryland law protects workers from retaliation for engaging with OSHA, including filing complaints or providing testimony. Retaliation may include termination, demotion, or harassment, and employees who experience such treatment may be entitled to additional remedies under federal and state law.

Navigating the complexities of an OSHA investigation and its intersection with workers’ compensation claims can be challenging. An experienced attorney can help injured workers understand their rights, communicate effectively with OSHA, and build a strong case for benefits based on the findings of the investigation.

Workplace safety is essential, and OSHA workplace investigations are a powerful tool for identifying and addressing hazards that endanger employees. If you were injured on the job or are involved in an OSHA investigation, it is advisable to confer with an attorney as soon as possible. The experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation lawyers of Foran & Foran, P.A., have extensive experience representing injured workers, and if we represent you, we will fight to protect your rights throughout the workers’ compensation claim process. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we regularly help injured employees seek benefits in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Rockville, Silver Spring, La Plata, Waldorf, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across Maryland. To arrange a confidential and free consultation, you can reach us through our online form or by calling us at (301) 441-2022.