If you are injured at work due to defective equipment, you may be able to maintain a product liability action against the manufacturer of the equipment. The claim against the manufacturer would be separate from your claim for workers compensation against your employer. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, all employers have three obligations. 1.) Employers must furnish a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. 2.) Employers are required to comply with the safety and health standards enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 3.) Employers with eleven or more employees are required to maintain a log and summary of all occupational injuries and illnesses. Although, workers compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer, separate claims for faulty equipment may be appropriate under certain circumstances.
