The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Oklahoma-based Zaloudek Grain Company for four serious safety violations following an injury accident involving two 17-year-olds. According to an OSHA news alert, the teenagers had to have their legs amputated after they became caught in an inadequately guarded conveyor auger. The young workers were cleaning out a grain flat storage structure in late August when the accident occurred.
OSHA investigators concluded that the company failed to attach the machine guard, ensure that the storage structure’s exit was unobstructed, provide exit signs from the structure, and give specific training for workers who are assigned to enter these grain structures. The company faces about $21,500 in OSHA fines.
Under both state and federal law, all employers are required to provide safe working conditions for their employees. In addition to providing job and safety training for workers, Oklahoma employers are also required to provide their workers with safety equipment such as harnesses (to prevent falls), goggles, vests, and hard hats. Failure to follow these safety standards could result in catastrophic personal injuries such as limb amputations, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, loss of eyesight, or hearing. These are just a few examples of how workers’ lives can be turned upside down as the result of the employer’s negligence.
Injured workers can seek workers’ compensation benefits from their employer to help cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other damages. Additional compensation may be available if the worker has suffered catastrophic injuries or lifelong disabilities. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in Oklahoma, the experienced Oklahoma City workers’ compensation attorneys at The Maples Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us at 1(405) 705-5050 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
