In early February, OSHA cited a Rochester, NY Wal-Mart store with “24 alleged repeat and serious violations of workplace safety and health standards.” The violations lead up to a total of $365,500 in possible fines. These violations are similar to those found in other states between 2008 and 2010.
The violations found at Wal-Mart include confined space hazards, bypassed lock switch on the trash compactor allowing it to run while the door was open, and inadequate training for employees who possibly handle blood or body fluids. There were 14 serious violations at the Rochester store. Serious violations are classified as “there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.”
It was a complaint that tipped off the OSHA investigation. If you are employed in a hazardous workplace, you should know that your rights for a safe place of employment are protected under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Workplace injuries result in the death of 12 people every day in the United States, and the presence of perils in the work environment should not be ignored. If you are injured while on the job, you need to contact a knowledgeable work-injury attorney to help you secure your Worker’s Compensation Benefits.
The experienced work accident injury lawyers of Wagner Reese offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and your Worker’s Compensation or Worker’s Compensation Death Benefits. Call today to schedule an appointment at 888-676-1598.
A study by the Center for Construction Research and Training found that not only does the construction industry account for 1 out of 5 of the total work-related deaths annually in the United States, but that workers in this industry have a 1/200 chance of a dying from a work-related injury spanning a 45-year career.
In addition to those statistics, the Center also found that workers who do not die on the job have a 75% or greater chance of lost-time injuries during a 45-year career. Injuries from industrial accidents range from contact with hazardous objects and equipment, overexertion, falls, exposures to harmful substances, hearing loss, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
The construction industry is valued near $1 trillion and is a vital part of the infrastructure of our country. The diverse and complex nature of the industry, however, creates many challenges in the work environment regarding health and safety. These challenges often lead to disastrous results for workers.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or fatally injured in a
construction site accident, you have the right to
Worker’s Compensation or Worker’s Compensation Death Benefits. An attorney knowledgeable in work-injury law can assist you and your family in procuring your rights and securing your benefits. The experienced work-injury lawyers of Wagner Reese offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Call today to schedule an appointment at 888-676-1598.
Six months after the tragic stage collapse during the Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair, a state investigation by IOSHA has determined that the company which built the stage disregarded safety standards and regulations. The collapse injured dozens and killed seven people, including two workers, security guard Glenn Goodrich and stagehand Nathan Byrd.
In connection with the deaths of the two workers, IOSHA fined Mid America Sound Corp., the Indiana State Fair Commission, and the IATSE Local 30 stagehands union. Mid-America Sound Corp. was fined $63,000 for three violations of industry standards regarding the use of temporary structures at outdoor events, while the Indiana State Fair Commission was fined $6,300 for failing to meet safety measures and precautions for severe weather. The IATSE Local 30 stagehands union was fined $11,500 for violating protection and training standards as well as not maintaining the required records. Mid-America Sound Corp. and the IATSE Local 30 stagehands union both contest the findings and violations.
In the US, twelve workers are killed on the job every day in tragic accidents such as what occurred at the Indiana State Fair in August. Violations of industry regulations and sometimes blatant disregard to safety precautions put workers at risk and can cause have a disastrous outcome for their families. If your family has been affected by an industrial or workplace accident, you should contact an experienced work injury attorney to understand your rights. You may be entitled to Worker’s Compensation benefits or Worker’s Compensation death benefits.
The skilled work injury attorneys at Wagner Reese are knowledgeable in Worker’s Compensation and work injury law. They offer over 60 years of combined experience and can schedule a free initial consultations to help you get the benefits you and your family deserve. Call us today at (888) 676-1598.
Every year in the United States the expenses for work-related skin issues exceed $1 billion. These skin issues are the most commonly reported non-injury among workers and can be found in many industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, sales, construction, customer service, utilities, and transportation. They are often caused by skin exposure to chemicals that may even come home on the worker’s clothes and expose the worker’s family.
Skin problems may be minor rashes and dryness, which are temporary and heal quickly, or they can result in long-lasting or permanent damage such as burns or organ damage. Skin exposure to chemicals can affect the worker’s quality of life and ability to provide for his/her family. Workers must be informed about the chemicals they are handling and given appropriate safety equipment and training.
Consulting with a knowledgeable work accident attorney can help you get the medical care and Worker’s Compensation Benefits you need to take care of you and your family if you have experienced skin exposure to chemicals at your workplace.
The work injury attorneys of Wagner Reese offer free initial consultations to provide you with the expertise needed to claim your benefits. Schedule your appointment today by calling 888-676-1598.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) listed their top ten violations from 2011. All of these violations can result in either death or injury of a worker.
The violations in order are...
- Scaffolding – planking or support gave way, worker slipped, worker hit by falling object
- Fall protection – falls listed as one of main causes of traumatic worker death by Department of Labor
- Hazard communication standard – chemicals not labeled or workers not trained to handle properly, manufacturers of chemicals not providing product information
- Respiratory protection – workers not provided with respirators to eliminate exposure
- Control of hazardous energy (Lockout/Tagout) – unexpected startup of machinery and equipment
- Electrical/wiring methods, components and equipment – workers exposed to shock, electrocution or fires
- Powered industrial trucks (forklifts) – workers drive off loading docks, forklifts strike workers, falls occur on pallets
- Ladders – workers must be protected whenever at a height of four feet or more
- Electrical systems design – misuse can create fires, explosion, or electrocution
- Machines – workers suffer crushed fingers/toes, amputations, blindness, or burns
Every worker has the right to a secure workplace that follows the appropriate rules and regulations and promotes a safe environment. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in an industrial accident, you should consult an experienced work injury attorney for a free initial consultation to discuss your Worker’s Compensation Benefits.
The knowledgeable lawyers at Wagner Reese can assist you in securing your Worker’s Compensation Benefits so that you can plan for you and your family’s future. Call us today for at 888-676-1598.
