OSHA Instructs Employers To Train Workers To Avoid Needless Workplace Deaths

July 22, 2012

OSHA Instructs Employers To Train Workers To Avoid Needless Workplace Deaths

Workers have a right to trust their employers not to put them in harm's way. Unfortunately, not all employers deserve this trust. A recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation found some employers are not properly training employees to prevent "needless and avoidable loss of life."

OSHA recently doled out multiple citations to Tribe Mediterranean Foods, asserting the Nestle subsidiary violated 18 workplace safety standards. Among the violations, Tribe was cited for not properly training its employees on "lockout/tagout" procedures used to shut down machines prior to cleaning. Without these procedures, machinery could turn on during a cleaning and severely injure or kill the factory worker.

Unfortunately, the citation was issued after a tragic accident. A contracting employee was cleaning a machine when he was "caught, pulled into the machine and crushed to death between two rotating augers." If the "lockout/tagout" procedures had been used, the accident likely could have been avoided.

Importance of Proper Lockout/Tagout Training and Remedies Available for Victims

A wide range of injuries can result from improper lockout/tagout training, including:
-Lacerations
-Fractures or loss of body parts
-Death

OSHA requires employers to help avoid injuries in these situations by using proper lockout/tagout procedures. This OSHA regulation applies to machines that may unexpectedly restart while maintenance is being performed.

When a restart is possible, the employer must train affected employees on the use of a lockout device. This can include a lock or other device that ensures the machine remains in a safe position and prevents a restart. A tagout device must also be used, which is a prominent warning device stating the equipment may not be operated until the device is removed.

Use of these devices not only makes good business sense, but is required by law. If you or a loved one is injured because an employer did not provide proper training, compensation may be available to cover medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as pain and suffering.

Every situation is unique. As a result, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced workers' compensation attorney to discuss potential remedies.

Article provided by Glaser Legal, PC
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