by | March 10th, 2014
March 10, 2014
There are countless hazards that workers in the manufacturing industry face each day they show up for work, but one of the greatest dangers is the risk of coming into contact with objects or equipment on a job site. In fact, the Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in 2012, these incidents accounted for roughly 15 percent of all workplace fatalities.
More recently, a worker at a James City County, Virginia, manufacturing warehouse was left seriously injured as a result of an accident involving contact with a forklift at the facility. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. this morning at the Nicewood Enterprises, Inc., facility located on Westmont Drive.
Reports indicate the 30-year-old victim was performing his job duties when he fell off the piece of machinery. His hand became caught in the machine, crushing his fingers.
The incident leaves many workers wondering what they can do to stay safe while on the job. The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain there are several steps that can be taken, which include:
- Always obey safety rules and regulations
- Wear proper safety equipment
- Report any problems or defects that could cause an accident
- Speak with a qualified attorney if an accident does occur while working
by | March 4th, 2013
March 4, 2013
The railroad company, Norfolk Southern Corp., has been ordered by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to pay more than $1 million to three employees who were wrongfully terminated after suffering work-related injuries.
According to an OSHA press release, a crane operator suffered an eye injury when struck by a piece of metal while working. The company took the worker out of service following the accident and formally fired him a short time later. Norfolk Southern listed the reason for the termination as giving false statements regarding the accident.
Then, the company fired a welder and his assistant after the pair was involved in a car accident. The men were said to be riding in a company truck when another vehicle ran a red light and hit a car. The second vehicle then struck the men’s work truck. The men initially didn’t seek medical treatment, but as their shoulder pains grew, they were taken to a local hospital.
An investigation determined Norfolk Southern had terminated the men’s employment based on their reporting injuries and claimed the men would not have been let go had they not reported the injuries.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with the law firm of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain workers have a right to a healthy and safe environment in which to work. When an accident does occur, an employer has a responsibility to cover the expenses through Virginia Workers’ Compensation. Failure to provide either is against the law.
