You probably know that you have many rights as a California worker, including the right to a reasonable expectation of safety in the workplace. Employers have to provide certain things to employees in order to prevent accidents and allow workers to do their job as safely as possible. It may be in your interests to learn about all of the rights available to you.

You have rights as a worker that help keep you safe. When you experience a violation of these rights, it is not just an inconvenience; it can be a threat to your personal safety and well-being. You may want to learn more about what you can expect, how to protect your interests and what to do in the event of a workplace accident.

Do you know your rights?

Knowing your rights is the first step in protecting them. Federal laws state that you have the right to safety in the workplace, even if you work in an industry that requires manual labor or other potential risks, such as manufacturing or construction. Some of your rights include:

• Safety training and job training in a language that you can understand clearly
• Protection from toxic materials that may be present where you are working
• Working with tools and machines that are safe and receive regular maintenance
• Access to safety gear for certain tasks as well as training on how to use the safety gear
• Ability to report unsafe conditions or other problems without fear that your employer may retaliate against you

This is not a complete list of the rights you have, but it may help you understand that you do not have to work in unsafe conditions or face unnecessary hazards just to earning a living.

The right to recovery

One of the most important rights you have is the ability to seek support through a workers’ compensation claim after a workplace accident. Through your employer’s insurance provider, you can get benefits that will help you address your medical bills, lost wages and other difficulties you are facing as a result of your job.

If you are unsure about your rights or are not certain what to do after suffering an injury at work, you do not have to walk through this on your own. You may find it beneficial to see a complete evaluation of your case with an attorney experienced in employee rights and the workers’ compensation claims process.