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Workplace injuries: OSHA cites newspaper for repeat violations

Many industries nationwide, including in Georgia, expose machine operators to the hazards associated with moving parts. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has strict safety regulations related to this hazard, and employers must take appropriate measures to prevent workplace injuries. Unfortunately, some companies continue to disregard these regulations, leading to OSHA launching a program to emphasize amputation hazards in the workplace.

As a part of this program, OSHA inspected the premises of a newspaper company in another state that had previously been cited for failure to protect machine operators. Inspectors found that, although the company had previously been found guilty of exposing workers to moving machine parts, machines remained without guards and employees continued to be exposed to amputation hazards. Furthermore, no mechanism to prevent machines from unexpected activation had been installed since the previous citations.

OSHA says continuous disregard of worker safety is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Many workers recognize the risks of their occupations and expect their employers to ensure safe workplace environments. Unfortunately, because of the lack of other job opportunities, workers may endure the dangerous workplace environments, not realizing that they are entitled to report such violations.

Georgia workers who have suffered workplace injuries may have to face many financial challenges. When workplace accidents lead to amputations, the victim’s ability to continue working may be jeopardized, causing severe hardship for the worker and his or her family. Fortunately, some level of financial assistance is available for workers who are covered by workers’ compensation. Benefit claims typically cover medical expenses and lost wages along with additional compensation for temporary or permanent disability.

Source: 11alive.com, “OSHA: AJC cited for dismemberment, electrocution dangers”, Christopher B Buchanan, Aug. 5, 2015

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