WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: SAFETY FAILURES RESULT IN EMPLOYEE INJURY

Industrial safety standards and working conditions have improved tremendously in the last century. Despite the improvements, accidents still occur in Illinois, resulting in injuries and sometimes death to workers. Any medical expenses related to an on-the-job accident are usually covered by employer-provided workers’ compensation insurance. One man in a nearby state likely filed a claim for this insurance coverage after suffering a serious foot injury in a work accident.

The worker was working in an area that a large overhead crane was being used to lift heavy materials. A later investigation would reveal that the material was not adequately secured to the crane. At some point, some of the material became loose, fell and crashed on the employee’s foot. The employee reportedly suffered several broken bones in his foot but has healed to return to work.

The incident occurred earlier this year, but the company has recently be fined $10,500. When a work accident occurs such as this one, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is required to be notified within 24 hours. For unknown reasons, the company waited seven days to alert OSHA. The fine also included safety violations that OSHA determined the company could have implemented to prevent the accident.

Although workers’ compensation insurance was created to benefit employees and prevent financial hardship in relation to any accidents at work, it is a complicated system. Many injured employees find it beneficial to have an attorney in Illinois who is familiar with the system to advocate on their behalf through the claims process. Attorneys can also assist employees when and if claims are denied to receive rightful and necessary compensation.

Source: pal-item.com, “Longtime local company cited $10,500 for work-related accident“, Mickey Shuey, Nov. 15, 2017