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According to BusinessInsurance.com, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited an Ohio metal stamping company after an employee lost three fingers in a workplace accident.
The website reported that Akron-based Ohio Gasket & Shim Co. has been cited for one willful and 12 serious safety violations, after the worker lost fingers when they were struck by parts of a mechanical power press. The incident took place in June.
During an investigation, OSHA discovered that the power press did not have required safety guards, exposing the worker to parts of the machine when he switched from two-hand to foot controls. Additionally, OSHA discovered that the company failed to test and inspect safety procedures involving workers and machines on a periodic basis at the stamping plant.
“This worker suffered a life-altering injury because his employer failed in its responsibility to install required safety mechanisms,” Howard Eberts, an OSHA area director, said in a statement. The press release did not make it clear how much the company was fined.
Can I Collect Workers Compensation for a Hand Injury?
According to Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, workplace hand injuries send more than 1 million Americans to emergency rooms for medical treatment each year. These injuries include burns, bruises, abrasions, cuts, punctures, fractures, amputations and chemical exposures to the hand.
Unfortunately, for many people working in manual labor positions, hand injuries can leave them unable to work. When this occurs, it may be in their best interest to look into collecting workers’ compensation benefits.
The benefit amount you can obtain through workers’ compensation will depend on a number of factors including the severity of you injuries. These benefits can help you recover financially following an accident and pay for medical bills.
Keep reading our blog for information about OSHA safety violations involving companies in Ohio.