Safety violations can lead to work-related injuries. This is particularly true for employees who work in the construction field since they are already predisposed to dangers. A Missouri construction company was issued over $100,000 in work-related citations and fines from OSHA.
Reportedly, a construction employee was struck by a load of pipes that was partly hanging. He ended up falling into a trench and suffered a broken vertebrae. After the incident, the United States Department of Labor launched an investigation into the construction company’s safety practices.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued 11 safety violations and $110,400 in fines. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the trench did not have the appropriate safety precautions to stop the walls from caving when the employee fell. The construction company was given two weeks to dispute the citations that have been issued against them.
A work accident can place significant burdens on those who experience them, especially when there are serious injuries or even deaths involved. The injured worker in this case has likely experienced a huge amount of pain and suffering along with missed time from work since the incident. The worker may have the right to pursue civil litigation against the company for its apparent negligence. Evidence presented along with the citations may result in a successfully litigated case. The civil court system in Missouri may award damages in an amount deemed appropriate based on evidence that the employer acted in a negligent manner that caused the man’s injuries.
Source: claimsjournal.com, “OSHA Fines Missouri Construction Company for Safety Violations“, , June 12, 2014