Connecticut Employer Fined by Osha

Certain industries are more prone to risk for employees. However, that does not mean that company owners should not do everything within their power to ensure the safety of those who work for them. Failing to do so could result in lost productivity or claims of workers’ compensation if employees are injured. Here in Connecticut, an employer was recently fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for violations relating to the safety of construction workers.

According to OSHA, an inspection last year revealed that the company owner failed to take proper measures to prevent dangers related to possible collapses at a building demolition. The company now has two willful violations on its record — the most severe level of violation — and a dozen serious violations. Both of these categories carry potentially high fines.

The company has a certain time frame in which they may attempt to challenge OSHA’s ruling, pay their fines or arrange to meet with OSHA representatives. Officials stated that they believed the violations were preventable and could be remedied with better training, offering respiratory safeguards and the removal of potentially harmful refuse. They also mentioned that just because the building did not unexpectedly collapse, the danger was still present.

This series of citations could happen to other companies that neglect to put the safety of construction workers first before profit. Connecticut employees who are injured on the job — or their families if they are fatally injured — may file for workers’ compensation to help cover expenses associated with a workplace accident. Employees would most likely benefit from knowing their rights in situations like these.

Source: ohsonline.com, “Contractor Cited for Fall and Wall Collapse Hazards“, , May 9, 2014