Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. Heavy machinery, high elevations and hazardous materials create plenty of risks for workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes safety standards that construction companies and site managers must follow. When these standards are violated, accidents can happen—and evidence of those violations can support your claim for compensation.

OSHA’s role in construction site safety

OSHA helps ensure safe working conditions for employees by enforcing workplace safety standards. Common violations on construction sites include failing to provide fall protection, inadequate training on equipment or hazardous materials, improperly set up scaffolding or ladders, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and unsafe use of machinery or tools. When these standards are ignored, the risk of accidents increases.

OSHA violations and workers’ compensation claims

Most construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation, which provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages and disability. Since it is a no-fault system, you don’t need to prove negligence or an OSHA violation to receive benefits. However, OSHA violations can still help support these claims.

If OSHA investigates your workplace and uncovers safety violations, their findings can bolster your claim by highlighting the unsafe working conditions. Additionally, OSHA regulations protect employees from retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions. If an employer attempts to deny your benefits in retaliation for reporting the violation, this could expose them to further legal consequences.

Third-party liability and OSHA violations

While workers’ compensation generally prevents you from suing your employer, you may still pursue a third-party claim if another entity contributed to the accident. For example, faulty equipment due to a manufacturing defect, unsafe practices by subcontractors or negligence by a property owner could all be grounds for a third-party lawsuit.

In these cases, OSHA violations can provide strong evidence of negligence. While OSHA citations do not automatically guarantee liability, they can support expert testimony, influence settlement negotiations and help establish fault in court. This is important because third-party claims allow you to seek compensation for damages that workers’ compensation does not cover, such as pain and suffering.

Whether you are pursuing workers’ compensation or filing a third-party claim, evidence of OSHA violations can support your case. Call the Law Offices of Tim Misny today to ensure your rights are protected, and help secure the compensation you deserve.

Talk to a Columbus workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyer

The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your accident claim. Whether you need help navigating the workers’ compensation system or filing a personal injury claim, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.

Workers' Compensation