Employers are required to provide a safe working environment that is free from hazards that could cause harm to employees. This includes providing safety equipment and training employees on how to use it, conducting regular safety inspections, and providing emergency response plans in case of accidents or injuries.
Negligence can occur when an employer fails to take reasonable care for the safety of their employees. This can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death. Employers who are found to be negligent can face legal action from their employees. This can include compensation for damages, medical expenses, and loss of income.
Many companies and employers prioritize profit over the safety of their workers. This can lead to cutting corners on safety measures and not providing adequate safety equipment or training. Employers may also fail to conduct regular safety inspections, which can lead to undetected hazards in the workplace.
Employers who prioritize profit over safety put their employees at risk of injury or death, which is unacceptable and against the law.
Employee Contributory Negligence
Contributory negligence is another issue that can arise in workplace safety. This occurs when an employee fails to take reasonable care for their own safety. This can include not wearing appropriate safety equipment or not following safety procedures.
If an employee is found to be guilty of contributory negligence, it can reduce the compensation they are entitled to receive. For example, if an employee is injured in an accident and is found to be 50% responsible for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by 50%.
Steps for Safeguarding and Workplace Safety
There are several steps that companies and employees can take to ensure workplace safety. Companies can conduct regular safety inspections, provide adequate safety equipment, and ensure that employees are properly trained on how to use it. Companies can also provide emergency response plans in case of accidents or injuries.
Employees can take responsibility for their own safety by following safety procedures and wearing appropriate safety equipment. Employees can also report hazards or unsafe working conditions to their employer.
Forms of Insecurity in Different Work Environments
Insecurity in the workplace can take many forms.
In some industries, physical hazards are a primary concern, while in others, psychological or emotional hazards are more prevalent. In industries such as construction, mining, or manufacturing, physical hazards such as falls, machinery accidents, and exposure to toxic substances are common. In industries such as healthcare or social work, psychological hazards such as workplace violence, stress, and burnout are more prevalent.
Real-Life Case of Corporate Workplace Negligence
One example of corporate workplace negligence is the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which occurred in 2010. The explosion and subsequent spill resulted in the deaths of 11 workers and caused significant environmental damage.
It was later found that the company responsible for the drilling, BP, had prioritized profit over safety and had failed to take reasonable care for the safety of their employees. BP was found to be negligent and faced significant legal action, including a $20 billion settlement with the US government.
Just recently, Dunnigan Holdings Ltd. faced a severe penalty for violating occupational health and safety regulations in Saskatchewan. The Estevan courtroom saw the company plead guilty to the charges brought against them, resulting in a fine of $25,000 and an additional surcharge of $10,000.
The incident occurred in June 2021 near Alida, where a worker suffered serious injuries after falling onto a septic tank. According to the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, the company allowed an untrained worker to operate "powered mobile equipment," leading to the accident.
The ministry's investigation revealed that the company's failure to provide proper training and safety protocols led to the worker's injuries and the violation of the workplace safety regulations.
This incident emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and healthy workplace and the necessary training and experience for workers to perform their jobs safely. Companies must take responsibility for their workers' safety and well-being, and the repercussions of failing to do so can be severe.
This incident is not unique, and similar cases have occurred in the past. In 2018, an Ontario construction company faced a $100,000 fine after a worker suffered fatal injuries when a suspended platform collapsed. The company had failed to ensure that the platform was inspected and maintained according to regulations.
In another incident, a Nova Scotia company faced a $55,000 fine after a worker suffered serious injuries due to a fall from a roof. The company had not provided proper fall protection equipment and failed to ensure that the worker had received adequate training.
In Nigeria, workplace safety is a growing concern, and companies must take responsibility for their workers' safety and well-being. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), work-related accidents and illnesses in Nigeria have increased significantly in recent years. The report revealed that the construction, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors had the highest incidence rates of work-related accidents and illnesses.
To address this issue, the Nigerian government has implemented various regulations and guidelines to ensure workplace safety. The Factories Act, the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act are among the regulations aimed at promoting workplace safety.
Companies must comply with these regulations and ensure that their workers receive the necessary training and equipment to perform their jobs safely.
Companies must also establish a culture of safety and encourage workers to report any safety concerns or incidents. Regular safety audits and inspections can identify potential hazards and prevent accidents from occurring.
Companies must also provide workers with access to first aid and medical facilities in case of emergencies.
Failing to take responsibility for workers' safety can result in severe repercussions, including fines, legal action, and damage to the company's reputation. In addition, workplace accidents and illnesses can result in lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and decreased employee morale.
In conclusion, companies must prioritize workplace safety and take responsibility for their workers' safety and well-being. The recent incident involving Dunnigan Holdings Ltd. underscores the importance of providing a safe and healthy workplace and the necessary training and equipment for workers to perform their jobs safely.
Companies must comply with regulations and guidelines, establish a culture of safety, and encourage workers to report any safety concerns or incidents. Failure to do so can result in severe repercussions and harm to the company's reputation and workers' well-being.