Because so much of our time is spent at work, it is not uncommon for a person to be injured on the job. Employers in Illinois have a duty to provide workers with a safe environment free of hazards. When they are not compliant, injuries such as strains, burns and broken bones are frequent results. After a work accident, it is important to address the situation so that negligent behavior can be identified and corrected. In some cases, fines by OSHA are imposed.
The purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is to ensure that workplaces are safe. They set and enforce standards that must be met in order to keep workers safe. When a company fails to meet these standards, OSHA can fine the negligent parties. After a serious injury occurred at a plant recently, an Illinois-based company was significantly fined by OSHA for willfully neglecting safety standards.
The injury occurred when a worker was exposed to energized parts of some electrical equipment. The employee suffered serious burns on his hand as a result. The electrical burning incident prompted OSHA to investigate the situation. Their examination uncovered several safety hazards present at the plant.
The company received six citations, which includes failing to provide workers with protective equipment. This failure illustrates a clear lack of concern for the safety of the employees, according to OSHA. All told, the company was fined over $90,000 for several safety violations.
While OSHA can identify and fine companies who are negligent in safety violations, victims of a work injury may choose to work with an attorney to discuss any damages that they may personally be entitled to.
Source: Patch, "Yaskawa Fined After Worker's Injury at Oak Creek Factory," Mark Schaaf, Feb. 28, 2012
