The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently condemned Cleveland Track Material, a subsidiary of Vossloh North America that is based in Pennsylvania and that manufactures rolled steel for railroad tracks, for a fatal worksite accident. On Aug. 21, a 45-year-old machine operator was killed at the company's Ohio manufacturing facility.
The 45-year-old worker, a lead rolling-mill operator, was adjusting a setscrew on one of the rolling mills when the incident occurred, reportedly. Blunt-force trauma was cited by OSHA as the cause of death in that case. Moreover, an investigation into the event purportedly turned up several OSHA violations. According to OSHA, workers at the plant were routinely put in harm's way and subjected to possible Workplace Accidents from rotating machinery parts.
Altogether, the company was cited for seven serious violations following the fatal accident. OSHA has proposed fines for the company totaling $49,000.
According to OSHA, the plant did not effectively train employees in proper work procedures. In addition, an OSHA representative stated that the 45-year-old employee could have been spared the deadly event had his employer 'implemented basic safety precautions associated with dangerous machinery."
When workers in Pennsylvania suffer fatal injuries while on the job, their spouse and dependent children may seek relief from the financial stress related to lost earnings and medical expenses by filing a claim through workers' compensation. According to the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, they may be entitled to benefits.
However, the claims process may prove to be difficult to navigate and potentially adversarial. Thus, many bereaved family members turn to a workers' compensation attorney for guidance and representation.
Source: EHS Today, "OSHA Cites Railroad-Track Manufacturer After Worker Is Crushed to Death", Josh Cable , November 12, 2014
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