When a workplace accident results in a permanent injury for a worker, he or she may face uncertainty when it comes to making a living. One individual in Illinois may be concerned about his ability to work after losing part of his finger while on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, conducted an investigation into the incident, and the company for which the man works is facing fines. In addition, the man may be looking into workers’ compensation for himself.
Reports stated that the man works at a processing facility for Aspen Food Inc. While working, the man attempted to remove a paper jam from some machinery, but the machinery did not have proper safety guards to protect workers from moving parts. As a result, the worker lost part of one of his fingers.
OSHA investigated the incident and determined that proper precautions were not taken by the company to ensure that such an accident did not take place. The company had apparently been cited for similar violations in the past, and as a result, the company is facing additional fines. At the time of the report, OSHA was proposing that the company be fined more than $52,000.
This life-altering injury could cause considerable hardships for the injured worker. It is unclear whether his injury will affect his ability to perform his duties or if he will even be able to return to work. Because he was injured on the job, he may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that could potentially act as reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages and other damages permissible under Illinois workers’ compensation law.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “OSHA fines Park Ridge food facility after worker loses part of finger”, Jordan Owen, Oct. 15, 2015