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Most dust is relatively harmless, but particles of aluminum and steel dust can hover in the air, causing respiratory issues for workers. If the dust is concentrated in a small space, the particles could reach a heat source and ignite, causing a fire or even an explosion.
More than 700 workers were injured in combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific rules regarding ventilation and electrical hazards to protect workers from a catastrophic event.
A Cleveland auto parts manufacturer received more than 15 health and safety violations from OSHA after compliance officers noted combustible dust hazards at the facility.
OSHA issued one serious violation for aluminum and steel dust exposure, but it also found several other violations, including lack of proper machine guarding and failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures. Both violations expose workers to amputation hazards, which cause hundreds of injuries every year.
Workers can be seriously injured or even killed when management chooses to ignore workplace hazards. If you feel like management is endangering your health, you may need professional legal help.
Workers’ Comp Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
The workers’ comp attorneys at Larrimer & Larrimer have been defending Ohio workers since 1929. If you have questions about your workers’ comp claim, get in touch with us to today. A free, confidential legal consultation could make all the difference in your case.
[Did You Know: More than 19 percent of all American worker deaths are in the construction industry.]
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys