Personal Injury Law Blog
Chicago company cited for safety violations after workers suffer amputations
A container manufacturer is facing penalties of $503,380 after government inspectors discovered that several of the company’s employees suffered serious injuries due to safety violations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated four reports of worker injuries at BWAY Corp.’s Chicago plant. The company was cited for five serious and five repeated machine safety violations. It was also added to the agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
OSHA issued the five serious citations for insufficient machine guarding on various equipment and failure to lockout machinery before clearing jams. The repeated citations pointed out a lack of worker training in safety procedures designed to prevent accidental equipment movement.
According to OSHA, one worker’s hand was crushed by equipment, resulting in two broken bones. Three employees suffered amputations due to unguarded machinery. A total of 15 employees at the BWAY facility sustained amputations over the past five years.
“Companies must continuously monitor their facilities, and review procedures and training to ensure employees are protected from machine hazards,” stated OSHA Area Director for Chicago Kathy Webb.
Employers are required to report all workplace injuries. Employees who have been injured in workplace accidents are entitled to financial support in the form of workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation should cover medical expenses, lost earnings and costs of vocational rehabilitation.
