The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing penalties of more than $195,000 for the death of a meatpacker working for Nebraska Prime Group in Hastings, Nebraska. The man asphyxiated and died in January after his clothing was caught in a machine he was working on that did not have the proper safety guard installed on it. Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Messa & Associates have experience dealing with work injuries and work-related deaths.
Following the man’s death, OSHA inspected the plant and cited the company for 11 safety violations. In addition to having the improper machine guarding, the company was also cited for not supplying sufficient lockout devices for all employees to secure the energy sources of equipment. Both of these violations were recorded as willful violations. According to OSHA policies, a willful violation is one that is committed with intentional knowledge or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.
The other nine violations were reported as serious, meaning that there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard which the employer knew or should have known about.
The company has 15 business days to comply or respond to the findings.
Personal Injury Lawyers: Employers Can Be Held Liable for Safety Violations that Cause Workplace Injuries
In cases where workers are injured in the workplace as a result of safety violations that the employer may have or should have known about, employers may be held responsible for injuries caused to their employees. Workplaces injuries, especially those at construction sites or in factories, can be extremely dangerous because of machines and other equipment on job sites. Employers are responsible for ensuring that any and all safety guidelines are followed in order to keep workers safe. Safety violations can result in serious injuries including head injuries, back injuries, amputations and death.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving workplace injuries. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury lawyers and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you have been injured while at work or have endured any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
