Employers prepare safety rules to protect workers from workplace accidents. Unfortunately, poor planning can cause a misstep, leaving you with injuries that make you miss work.
While filing a workers’ compensation claim to cover medical bills and lost wages, you can also pursue a claim for a Violation of a Specific Safety Requirement (VSSR). Understanding what this means can offer insights into additional compensation.
Connecting your injury to a safety violation
Under Ohio law, employers have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace. Depending on the industry, an employer must adhere to the state’s precise safety rules outlined in the Ohio Administrative Code.
For instance, if you work in a factory, your employer must conduct general maintenance for all tools to ensure they are in a safe condition. If you use a tool without proper maintenance and cause an injury, your employer commits a VSSR.
A VSSR claim holds employers accountable for their oversights on workplace safety. If their lack of care causes your injury, they become liable for a 15% to 50% penalty. However, it is important to note that you may only file this claim when you have evidence of a violation.
Why you should not wait to take action
While Ohio laws offer protection for injured employees, you need to act fast. You generally have only one year from the date of your injury to file a VSSR application. These cases can be complex because you must prove that your employer caused a workplace accident by violating a specific safety rule.
Navigating the process can be overwhelming, especially since the burden of proof is on you. Fortunately, you are not without options. Seeking legal advice can offer insights into your matter, helping you move forward with confidence.