On Your Side After An Injury

Company facing multiple violations; fines after OSHA inspection

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency tasked with ensuring that employees are not exposed to hazardous conditions on the job. Unfortunately, OSHA cannot prevent every work-related injury or illness. If an accident does occur, Missouri workers are entitled to file a claim for benefits with the workers’ compensation program.

Recently, OSHA conducted an in-depth inspection at a pottery manufacturing business. During the course of that inspection, agents purportedly discovered approximately 31 violations that could lead to employees suffering a serious or fatal accident or illness. Those violations were assessed at an estimated $830,000. According to the agency’s records, there are two lists with a total of 39 violations.

The inspection reportedly uncovered several violations that would directly impact the health and safety of company employees. These included violations related to respiratory safety, lack of fire equipment, scaffolding issues and other infractions related to capacity and noise levels. The company is working with the agency to try and reduce the fines.

Earlier this year, a worker was killed when attempting to perform a maintenance task on one of the large pottery kilns. Both the company and OSHA are still conducting independent investigations into the cause of the man’s death. The victim’s family have filed a civil lawsuit against the Texas company where the accident occurred. Missouri workers who experience a serious injury or illness related to their job are assured of their right to file a claim for benefits through the state-regulated workers’ compensation insurance system. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help navigate the claims process and also assess whether options for further legal recourse may be available.

Source: ksla.com, “Marshall Pottery fined by OSHA for nearly $830,000“, Nov. 1, 2017