Going to work should be about doing a good job and earning a paycheck to support your family. However, for many Massachusetts residents, going to work also means putting their health and safety on the line, even if they don’t know it. Sadly, many workers don’t realize they are in danger until it’s too late.
Four workers found this out back in January after a chemical explosion left them with on-the-job injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently concluded its investigation into the accident, citing the employer for numerous workplace violations. With regard to the explosion, OSHA said that the company, Rohm-Haas Electronics Material, improperly inspected, maintained, and operated its chemical processes, leading to the workplace accident.
Yet that wasn’t the only violation. OSHA discovered 11 other safety violations that put workers at risk of harm. Among these violations was the employer’s improper storage of flammable liquids. Also, flammable liquids that were supposed to be disposed of every day were not. OSHA has indicated that it seeks to impose fines on the company of nearly $130,000. The company has already taken action to contest the fines and citations.
OSHA does its best to try to prevent workplace injuries when employers fail to protect their employees. Unfortunately, though, far too often OSHA is called in after tragedy has already struck. Injured workers are then left with exorbitant damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The good news is that workers’ compensation benefits may be available to these injured workers to help them recoup their losses and focus on getting back to work.
Source: Insurance Journal, “OSHA Cites Massachusetts Firm for Chemical Explosion,” Aug. 4, 2016
