According to the National News Claims Journal, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently handed out a $101,600.00 fine to Detyens Shipyards, Inc. of South Carolina due to various findings of serious safety violations. OSHA conducted a comprehensive inspection of their facility in December of 2014 and found many serious safety hazards that put their workers in jeopardy of a serious injury. The violations include not ensuring wire rope guardrails were pulled tight to prevent workers from falling overboard ships, allowing workers to use forklifts with broken safety equipment, blocked exit doors, not providing welding screens for arc welders, exposing workers to electrical hazards, exposing workers to saws and other machinery that lacked safety guards and not clearly marking exits. The business has 15 days from receipt of the various citations and penalties to comply with OSHA’s rules and regulations.
Unsafe work conditions can play a major reason why employee’s sustain workplace injuries and need to receive workers compensation benefits. Many workplace accidents and injuries are easily preventable by employers who take workplace safely seriously. An employer or worksite that does not comply with OSHA rules and regulations will mostly likely see an increased amount of workers compensation claims. Having a save and secure work environment is a win-win situation for both employees and employers. Not only do employees avoid the risk of serious bodily harm, the employer also benefits from a decrease in workers compensation claims thereby reducing costs. Employers that invest in good workplace safety measures will see a return on their investment from reduced workers compensation insurance premiums.
If you or a loved one have been injured at a jobsite and the accident or injury was caused by unsafe work conditions, please contact our office to speak with an attorney experienced in assisting victims of negligence. You or your loved one may have a valid third party claim for negligence in addition to a workers compensation claim for workplace injuries.