Workers play an essential part in the success of any business. However, many employers in Colorado and other states fail to recognize the importance of the health and safety of their employees. A company in another state is facing proposed fines of up to $422,680 for violations of workers’ rights to safe workplace environments.
Employees of the company are exposed to the dangers of galvanized steel and the chemical hazards associated with it. The company manufacturers chutes for laundry and trash. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it issued citations after an inspection at the facility more than a year ago, and those violations have not yet been abated.
After a recent follow-up inspection, the company was again cited for failure to establish an effective respiratory program. Also, the previous lack of medical evaluations for workers exposed to the hazardous chemicals has not been addressed. Furthermore, no efforts have been made to provide training to inform workers of the potential dangers and how to prevent exposure.
Colorado employers who disregard workers’ rights may have to face the consequences. Along with enforcement penalties by OSHA, higher insurance premiums will come into play after each workers’ compensation claim that follows workplace injuries. Victims of occupational injuries or illnesses may pursue financial relief for all medical expenses related to the incident, along with coverage of lost wages due to hospitalization or recuperation at home. Benefits claims may be filed with the state’s workers’ compensation insurance program, regardless of who was at fault in causing the injury.
Source: CBS Connecticut, “OSHA Cites Litchfield County Company“, May 26, 2016
