Furniture company accountable for worker’s on-the-job injuries

Pennsylvania residents who work in a manufacturing facility know that such a job can be rife with certain risks and hazards. However, every employee has the right to the safest work environment possible. Employers must strive to do everything possible to prevent on-the-job injuries by supplying safety equipment and appropriate training for dangerous tasks. 

This year, a man was working in a facility that makes furniture for Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. when his finger was amputated while using a piece of machinery. The company, which is the largest manufacturer of furniture in the country, was given a fine of $83,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The company was cited for two violations of industry safety regulations and protocol that should be followed after a work accident. 

According to the report, the company did not report the hospitalization as it was required to do. Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. has a history of work-related accidents, and one plant was found to have reported over 1,000 injuries in just a three year period. In cases of gross negligence and a failure to follow protocol, employees would be wise to seek legal assistance after a work accident, even if a workers’ compensation claim has been filed.

This tragic case underlines the importance of safety in the workplace. When on-the-job injuries do occur, it can be a rather complex process to claim rightful benefits. A Pennsylvania lawyer familiar with the workers’ compensation system can help an injured employee understand legal options and can provide guidance on an optimal course of action.

Source: journalnow.com, “OSHA: Ashley Furniture failed to protect worker, should face fine“, Richard Craver, July 22, 2015