The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently proposed that a St. Marys, PA factory pay a $7,000 fine after an explosion at the plant caused the accidental death of a visiting employee on Jan. 30, 2014. Another employee was also injured in the accident, which OSHA said occurred after an employee put flammable materials in an electric oven.
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an on-the-job accident, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities. An experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer well-versed in workplace accident-related rules and regulations can help you understand your legal options after an accident.
OSHA recommends increased employee training after fatal accident
According to the Republic, the fatal explosion occurred on January 30 at a St. Marys factory, located about three hours west of Scranton. A visiting worker was killed and a Ridgway employee was injured in the blast. The accident occurred at a factory that manufactures parts for use in high-temperature electrical power applications.
The Republic article stated that plant officials initially blamed the explosion on "incorrect placement of materials in an otherwise safely operating curing oven." However, OSHA recently levied a $7,000 citation against the factory after ruling that a worker put parts coated with flammable materials into an electric oven before the explosion.
OSHA stated that the worker, who remains unnamed, used an oven that was not rated to safely heat parts with flammable coatings. OSHA recommended that the company train employees about the dangers of heating parts with flammable components, instructing workers which ovens are suitable for doing such work and preventing employees from using ovens that aren't safely rated to do so.
Preventing workplace accidents in Pennsylvania
Workplace accidents happen all-too-often at factories, construction zones and warehouses across Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. What are the causes of workplace accidents? Causes of some of the most serious workplace accidents in Pennsylvania include the following:
- Operator error
- Untrained workers
- Unmarked hazards
- Defective equipment
- Dangerous working conditions
- Worker fatigue
On-the-job injuries often occur when workers encounter any of the above conditions. That's why employers must do everything possible to create and maintain a safe work environment. Employers must inspect equipment, properly train all employees and address any safety concerns raised by an employee or inspector.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Common workplace injuries often include back, neck and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, burn injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injury or injuries involving amputation. In severe cases, a workplace injury due to negligence can result in the wrongful death of an employee.
If you've sustained an on-the-job injury in Pennsylvania or lost a loved one due to a workplace accident, you have rights. A Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve after a workplace accident.
A Scranton accident attorney at O'Malley & Langan can help. Call (800) 817-2667 today to schedule your free consultation.
