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Workplace injuries increase in grain bin accidents

 

There are some jobs that come with the possibility of death or serious injury in the job description. On the other hand, unless one is in the military or is a professional daredevil, most jobs are relatively safe. But still, workplace accidents occur all over the nation, resulting in thousands of fatalities and injuries each year.

Most Connecticut residents depend on their job for a living but for some, it has cost them their lives. Recently the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent out safety letters to various grain facilities across the country in the hopes to protect workers.

In 2010 alone, 26 workers across the nation were killed in grain bins. In just about every situation, the workplace accident could have been prevented. Whether it is from lack of safety instruction or unsafe working conditions, workers deserve to earn a living in a safe environment. Since 1964, over 660 farmers and workers have died from grain bin accidents and countless more have suffered a work-related injury.

In order to combat this, OSHA sent a letter to just about every grain bin operator in the U.S. describing in detail ways to increase safety and prevent injuries.

Despite mandatory safety regulations and precautions, many employers are still not meeting the appropriate safety standards, knowingly allowing their employees to work in dangerous conditions. Not only is this illegal but highly dangerous. What these employers fail to realize is that they are responsible for the safety and health of their workers. When an unsafe condition is not immediately solved and serious injury or death results, the employer may be legally responsible for the injury.

Employees that have suffered a serious work-related injury may be awarded workers compensation for their injuries, especially if any sign of negligence is involved. An attorney may provide additional advice and guidance to those in need.

Source: Journal Gazette, “Deaths in the workplace are no accident,” Tom O’Connor, July 7, 2013

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36-year-old laborer for landscaping company fractured wrist when fellow employee hit him with truck. Claimant received in excess of $30,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for total disability and medical expenses and settled with automobile insurance company for fellow employee for $95,000.

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