On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Workplace Injuries on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
A man working at a factory in a state the borders Georgia lost his left arm and, perhaps, part of his right arm in an industrial accident. The man's work-related injury has also left him in critical but stable condition at a major hospital. At the time of the accident, he had to be taken via helicopter to the hospital for treatment.
The man and his co-worker were working on a "two-man press", a device that is used in the manufacturing of auto parts. Apparently, as the man put his arm into the machine either to repair it or retrieve something, his co-worker activated the machine with the man's arm still in it. Reports are describing this accident as a breakdown of communication, implying that the co-worker did not know that the man was going to work on the interior of the machine when the co-worker started it.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Workplace Accidents on Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Georgia employees who have been on the job long enough have probably heard horror stories about accidents and past injuries that fellow co-workers may have had. Accidents can range in severity and can result in a mere band aid, or a trip to the hospital. Sadly however, some accidents are so severe, that fatalities may be involved.
Recently, an employee who was working at a meat-processing plant was killed in a horrific industrial accident when the man fell into a running blender at the plant. The worker was employed by a sanitation company, and was apparently cleaning when he fell in. Sheriff's deputies and paramedics were called after the man was found stuck in the machine. A fellow employee hit the emergency stop button, but it was too late at that point. The medical examiner concluded that the man died from chopping wounds and blunt force trauma. While there is no foul play suspected, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration examined the scene, interviewed witnesses and evaluated the plant's records.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Workplace Safety on Thursday, May 2, 2013
Workplace safety is an extremely important issue that unfortunately seldom warrants discussion outside of tragic or fatal events. Georgia employees who have worked in unsafe environments understand the importance of strict safety guidelines and that employers work hard to ensure proper and safe working conditions. Sadly however, workplace safety precautions are not always taken, and tragedy strikes.
The recent tragic events that took place last week in West, Texas have been on the minds of many safety organizations and companies. The devastating industrial explosion took the lives of at least 14 people, and injured 200 more. The surrounding areas by the plant were completely destroyed and many residents lost everything they owned. While officials are still unable to definitively state why the explosion took place, many occupational health experts are pointing the finger at inadequate safety laws and their enforcement in the United States.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Construction Workers' Accidents on Thursday, April 25, 2013
Accidents happen to all employees in the state of Georgia. However, unlike most professions, injuries are much more prevalent in the construction industry. Construction workers are more likely to be injured because of inherent dangers at work sites. Injuries can be costly emotionally, physically and financially. It is important for those workers injured to be properly compensated.
Recently, a construction worker was killed in a workplace accident that took place at a transportation department facility. The worker was killed after being pinned between modular office units. Three construction workers were attempting to work on the units, and the accident left one worker dead, sent one worker to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the last man was unharmed. The accident apparently occurred while the workers were assembling the buildings and a unit shifted, resulting in the accident. The worker who was killed had three children and was married. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the accident, in conjunction with local and state police to determine what happened and if there was any fault.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Workers' Compensation on Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Working around toxic chemicals has its risks, but those risks dramatically increase when proper safeguards are not taken. Unsafe exposure to toxic chemicals can result in the slow development of an occupational disease that can entitle workers in Cherokee County to workers' compensation.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors recently fined an aerospace plant $83,160 after finding violations that exposed their workers to toxic chemicals. One allegation against the company was its failure to provide workers with adequate safeguards against the chemicals they worked with. The recent inspection was a follow up to a previous inspection in 2010, and the violations were similar in both instances. More specifically, OSHA found that the company exposed the workers to a toxic chemical called hexavalent chromium. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, hexavalent chromium is a carcinogen that can cause cancer in the lung, nasal and sinus area.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Construction Workers' Accidents on Friday, April 12, 2013
Georgia construction workers understand that like any job, there can be potential hazards and dangers. Injuries can be frequent or far between, and a safe work environment is imperative. Accidents can happen on any site, however proper precautions are essential. Even on the safest of job sites, construction accidents can still take place.
Recently, a construction worker was stuck by a pickup truck and died from the injuries sustained in a workplace accident. The construction worker was in the middle of organizing and setting up traffic cones along a curb when he was hit by the truck. The man was dragged almost 25 feet after he was hit. He was rushed to a local hospital but died as a result of his injuries. The worker was wearing a reflective vest and police have stated that the driver of the truck was going the speed limit. Police are awaiting a blood alcohol test to see if any charges will be filed against the driver.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Workplace Safety on Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Georgia employees who have been injured at the workplace understand the importance of an employer following workplace safety guidelines. An injury or accident can have a lasting impact on both your physical and financial well-being. It is important that your employer follows all state and federal safety regulations in order to ensure you work in a safe environment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration currently enforces safety measures for Americans in the workplace and ensures that workplaces are free from unreasonable hazards and unsafe work conditions. Recently however, Senator Patty Murray of Washington State is seeking to strengthen workplace safety for Americans. The senator is attempting to pass the Protecting America's Workers Act which will make workplaces even healthier and safer. PAWA will increase the OSH protections and help to improve reporting measures, enforcement and inspection of claims and potential violations. OHS was passed forty-two years ago, and PAWA seeks to update and strengthen government protections for Americans in the workplace. The senator has claimed that PAWA will increase penalties for those employers or companies who break the law, extend protection and coverage to more workers not covered under current OSHA protections, protect whistleblowers from retaliatory actions and provide clearer knowledge to both the public and employees.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Construction Workers' Accidents on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Georgia employees who have been injured on the job understand the financial ramifications that can occur as a result of an injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, an employee can be temporarily or permanently injured, and it can have a lasting impact upon an individual's future employment opportunities.
Recently, a worker who was injured in a workplace accident settled a negligence lawsuit for $330,000 after the man fell from a ladder. The man was working as a day laborer for a general contractor when he fell from the top rung of the ladder 10 feet off the ground. The man alleged that the ladder slipped. As a result of the accident, the man suffered a fractured ankle and was hospitalized for five days as a result of the surgery required. The negligence suit alleged that the ladder was defective because it did not have an anit-skid material at the base of the ladder.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Workplace Accident on Monday, March 18, 2013
Georgia employees who have been injured in a workplace accident understand how scary and sometimes life-altering the incident can be. Not only does the accident affect your immediate ability to work, it may forever alter your body, or your future ability to earn a living.
Recently, a man sued a foam manufacturing plant and a temporary staffing injury as a result of a horrific work-related accident. The employee claims that he was given no instruction as to how to operate or use a carpet foam cutting machine, and was given the job improperly because he had no experience using one. However, the employee did do the work, but as a result suffered a terrible injury that resulted in the severing of his private parts. Court documents reveal that the foam peeler machine was activated when the employee began removing foam core, and the machine had a steel blade that sliced through the employee's pelvis, severed his private parts and nearly cut him in half. A negligence claim has also been brought as a result of the machine having no protective guard.
On behalf of The Mason Law Firm, LLC posted in Workplace Injuries on Thursday, March 14, 2013
Georgia employees who have been injured on the job understand that it can take both a physical and emotional toll. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can have a significant impact on an employee's ability to work, and make a living.
Recently, a PetSmart manager filed a work-related injury lawsuit against makers of an overhead roll-up commercial garage door system claiming that the door fell on her, which resulted in a shattered shoulder and arm. The manager was pinned to the ground while in her store's warehouse until other employees could lift the garage door off of her body. Her suit also alleges a mild traumatic brain injury and decreased range of motion, and the employee is expected to need additional medical attention in the future, with possible surgeries, hospitalizations and physical therapy.
