Businesses in California are responsible for the safety of their workers. When there is a work accident, it is likely that the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate. For companies that are already under scrutiny for past issues, workplace injuries take on greater relevance. Those who have been injured on the job should be aware of how OSHA examines the incident, what the basis for a legal filing is and seek assistance from an attorney to attempt to make certain that they receive all the benefits and compensation they are entitled to.
The car company Tesla, Inc., which had its safety record called into question with an investigation by Cal/OSHA, had another worker injured in a workplace accident. The man, 30, was a subcontractor at the company’s assembly plant. The man had his jaw broken and received a face laceration when a skid carrier hit him. This happened while the safety practices of the company are already being assessed as it is accused of failing to report when workers suffered serious injuries despite the legal requirement to do so. Cal/OSHA conducted two inspections of Tesla within a five-day period. This is happening as Tesla has been pushing to increase its production and is operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to meet its target for a new vehicle it plans to unveil.
Workers like to believe that their employers are as interested in their well-being and safety as they are about productivity. However, that is not always the case. Even when an employer takes all the necessary steps to ensure worker safety, accidents will happen. These can lead to lost wages, the need for medical care and perhaps a dispute between the employer and worker as to the injury’s severity, how it happened and how much time the worker will need to recover. To make certain that the maximum compensation is received, it is imperative that workers understand their rights.
Tesla is widely known for its prominent position as a supposed innovator and its forward-thinking products. However, it is also becoming known for injuries in the workplace with Cal/OSHA investigating these issues. For the subcontractor who was injured, it is critical to understand his rights to be compensated. Those who are injured while at work, regardless of the job, should know that they too have the right to seek compensation for their injuries.
Source: Bloomberg.com, “Another Safety Probe Hits Tesla After Subcontractor Breaks Jaw,” Dana Hull, Josh Eidelson, April 20, 2018