The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a U.S. Department of Labor agency that is responsible for ensuring that employers follow all workplace safety regulations. When companies fail to provide protective equipment or safety measures, employees can be exposed to the risk of serious accidents such as falls and equipment mishaps.
OSHA recently investigated Farmers Elevator Co. after a fatal accident at its facility in Grant Park, Illinois. One of the company’s workers fell into a grain bin and died from the injuries he sustained.
The Manteno-based grain operator committed two willful and three serious violations for failing to provide employees with key safeguards. Along with being cited $205,106, the employer was put on the Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
OSHA’s investigation found that Farmers Elevator allowed workers to go into a grain storage bin without a body harness, using a ladder with rungs that were more than 14 inches apart. Additionally, the company did not provide rescue equipment. The agency also cited Farmers Elevator for failing to lockout or disconnect equipment, check workplace atmospheric conditions and designate an observer before permitting workers to enter the grain bin.
Farmers Elevator can either comply with OSHA requirements or ask to speak with the agency’s area director. The company can also choose to dispute the penalties and citations with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
If you have been injured in an equipment mishap or other type of workplace accident, you may be able to pursue workers’ compensation. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to learn more about how our personal injury lawyers can help.