Workplace accident causes amputation of 3 fingers

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Accidents on Friday, September 11, 2015.

According to safety regulations as prescribed under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Illinois employers must provide safe workplace environments that will not threaten the lives or health of workers. OSHA has enforcing standards that include the provision of assistance with safety education and training. Unfortunately, despite all these resources, some company owners continue to expose their employees to conditions that could lead to a workplace accident.

OSHA recently completed an investigation into an incident that occurred at the premises of an Illinois company that manufactures shipping containers. Investigators reported that a 45-year-old worker’s left hand got caught in the moving parts of a table saw. Three of his fingers were cut off by the sharp blade of the saw, and although doctors were able to reattach his fingers, the middle finger’s tip had to be amputated.

An injury such as this one can jeopardize the ability of the worker to continue working in a chosen field and also his ability to care for his family. OSHA found that no protective guards were present to prevent workers from the moving parts of the machine. The agency determined that this was a willful violation because it is a known and obvious safety hazard.

While a workplace accident that causes amputations can bring about high medical costs and extended time off work, victims may find comfort in knowing that some level of financial aid is available. The workers’ compensation insurance fund offers benefits to covered workers that typically include coverage of medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages. Additional compensation may be considered in cases in which workplace accidents caused temporary or permanent disabilities.

Source: qconline.com, “OSHA says Material Control Systems failed to follow machine safety procedures after man loses fingers“, Sept. 9, 2015