The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has placed a Chicago manufacturer in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program due to serious violation that put workers’ lives in jeopardy.
OSHA cited specialty metal forgings company A. Finkl & Sons with 26 safety violations, including two willful violations that involve failing to provide fall protection around open pits and failing to fix multiple hazards found in crane inspections.
The willful violations include failing to ensure that open pits are guarded by standard railings and/or covers to protect employees from falling in, and failing to correct deficiencies identified by crane inspections such as missing bolts, inoperable radio controls, and problems with bridges, trolleys, and main hoist brakes. A willful violation is described as one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.
Some of the serious violations include failing to install hoist guards on industrial cranes, failing to ensure crane trolleys and bridges have brakes with ample thermal capacity for the equipment’s frequency of operation, and failing to place ladders in a manner that provides secure footing for workers.
In an article on WorkersCompensation.com, Nick Walters, OSHA’s regional administrator in Chicago is quoted as saying, “A. Finkl & Sons Co. has demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of its employees. When employers fall in their responsibility to provide a safe workplace, OSHA will take all necessary action to protect workers on the job.”
No one should have to work in conditions that could jeopardize their safety and place them in harms way. If you have been injured on the job due to your employer’s negligence, you may be entitle to workers’ compensation. Contact the attorneys at O’Connor Law for a free review of your case.