Workplace injuries: Company cited for 50 safety violations

On Behalf of | Jun 8, 2015 | Workplace Injuries

The stress levels of the almost 220 workers at an Oklahoma company that manufactures heat exchangers are likely at extreme levels whenever they are on site. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, this company continues to expose its workers to severe safety hazards that could lead to workplace injuries or worse, despite previous citations. After a recent inspection, the company was added to OSHA’s list of severe violators, and it may be subjected to random follow-up inspections.

One serious violation was determined to be the company’s failure to have procedures in place that would prevent equipment and machines from activating unexpectedly while maintenance or servicing is carried out. Other severe hazards are the absence of written plans to protect employees if fires should break out and the lack of plans to manage emergencies. OSHA also found that machines were not guarded to protect workers, and no respiratory protective equipment was available. Workers were also found to be untrained for working with the hazardous chemicals used at the facility.

According to investigators, the company was cited for 50 violations, of which 45 were classified as serious, and five were repeats of previous violations. OSHA’s area director asserted that there is no justification for any company owner to continuously expose workers to life-threatening safety hazards. This company’s disregard of instructions to amend its safety program is said to be unacceptable.

Oklahoma families who have lost loved ones in workplace accidents — or workers who have suffered workplace injuries — will likely need financial relief to assist with the burden of medical expenses and/or end-of-life costs. Due to the complicated administrative and judicial proceedings, many workers and surviving family members choose to utilize the services of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys to handle benefit claims on their behalves. Pursuing injury or death benefits may lead to compensation for expenses related to the accident, along with provide a portion of lost income.

Source: coolingpost.com, “Alfa Laval faces $477,900 safety fine“, May 24, 2015