A look at workplace safety on May Day

On Behalf of | May 13, 2013 | Workers' Compensation

May Day, celebrated on May 1, has traditionally been a time to think about workers around the world and their safety and satisfaction in the workplace. United States laws such as workers’ compensation statutes are presumed to protect American workers, and most people assume that workplaces in the United States are safer than those overseas, especially in light of reports such as that of a building collapse that killed several in Bangladesh.

However, the recent story of the explosion of a Texas fertilizer plant has shone a spotlight on what may have been an unrecognized dilemma in American workplaces. The U.S. Senate is preparing to investigate the circumstances of that tragedy, but many experts say they already know that the Occupational Safety and Health Association, or OSHA, had not inspected the plant since 1985.

This jarring reality is at odds with expectations in America for workplace security, but experts agree that OSHA’s budget will not allow for many inspections. In fact, some say that given the number of employees the agency has, each workplace in the United States could reasonably expect a visit from OSHA once in 131 years. The situation is not likely to improve as Congress considers at least an 8.2 percent across-the-board cut to OSHA’s budget.

Employees who have been injured on the job due to unsafe conditions may wish to consult a workers’ compensation attorney. In some cases, an attorney may be able to help the worker recover damages for injuries, including compensation for lost wages, living expenses, and payment of medical bills and treatment costs.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, “A May Day Look at American Workplace Safety”, PAT GAROFALO, May 01, 2013

FindLaw Network

Case Results

$4.5 Million Settlement

Medical Malpractice - Hypoxic brain injury during surgery.

$2.9 Million Settlement

Construction site accident resulting in cervical fusion

100% Permanent Disability Award

Workers Compensation - Multiple injuries to State worker

$1.6 Million Settlement

Truck v. pedestrian accident resulting in multiple factures.

$1.2 Million Structure Settlement

Workers Compensation - spine injury with guaranteed payments for life.

$1.2 Million Settlement

Motorcycle v. car accident resulting in multiple fractures and scarring.

$933,000.00 Settlement

Child burned when table collapsed spilling scalding water from coffee um.

$850,000.00 Settlement (Before MICRA)

Medical Malpractice - Endotracheal injury during surgery resulting in death.

$780,000.00 Settlement

Disputed liability car v. truck collision.

$500,000.00 Settlement

Workers Compensation - Spinal injuries to delivery driver.

Contact Us For a Free Consultation