Men Stray from Workplace Safety
When it comes to workplace safety, men are at greater risk than women. Research from both Canada and the United States point to the higher work-related injury and fatality rates for men. This may be partly because high-risk occupations such as mining, first responders, construction, farming, and fishing are dominated by men. However, a recent survey also found that 61 percent of men were not given the health and safety policy information from their employers, and were more likely to stray from workplace safety rules.
Since more men occupy high risk roles at work, it would stand to reason that employers would have stringent safety procedures to protect them. In fact, researchers were shocked to find out that often the most basic safety measures were lacking. If workers lack the knowledge and information they need to perform their dangerous jobs safely, then workplace accidents will happen. To be compliant with safety standards, workers need to be trained.
Masculinity and Workplace Health
Researchers also found multiple tendencies men have for ignoring safety procedures. Some high-risk occupations, like firefighting or mining, have a culture and tradition of heroic and hyper-masculine behavior. Often, the acceptance of danger and risk of injury is expected. Younger men in training may be socialized into hyper-masculine and unsafe behavior. Even when they want to complete a job safely and in compliance with safety standards, there may be immense pressure to conform to workplace values of competition, overexertion, and high tolerance of danger. Certain occupations may pass on traditions to younger men that are completely at odds with safety programs.
Pressure to Produce
In a competitive labor market, men in occupations like construction may feel compelled to take on risky work for fear of losing other jobs. To gain favor with an employer, a worker may compromise his own safety by tolerating unsafe work conditions and working at maximum physical capacity. Certain demanding and dangerous jobs are sometimes offered at high wages, making the work worth the risk.
Reluctance to Seek Medical Help
Certain men prefer to be self-reliant and autonomous, extending to medical treatment. If they do see a doctor, men are less likely to comply with treatment once they leave the doctor’s office. Unfortunately, this desire to be self-reliant means that men often do not follow safety guidelines, putting themselves at risk for a workplace accident.
Piscataway Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Fight on Behalf of Injured Workers
If you have suffered a work injury, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. The experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyers in Piscataway at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr will review your case with you to determine your best legal strategy and fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call 877-249-4600 today or contact us online. From our offices in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients Somerset, New Brunswick, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, and Colonia.
