Maryland workers’ compensation increases with repeated claims

Workplace injuries occur, especially in the manufacturing and construction sector. Most employers have in place standards, policies and procedures, and workplace training to help keep their employees safe. Some companies refuse to spend the extra time and money to invest in the necessary devices and training to help ensure that employees are safe while performing their duties. Should an injury occur while one is working on the job, the Maryland workers’ compensation program is in place to help.

A manufacturer in another state is facing heavy and expensive fines after The Occupational Safety and Health Administration completed its investigation into four separate injuries that have occurred at the company’s plant. In the last five years, 15 workers have suffered serious injuries that have led to amputations. Sadly, many, if not all, of these injuries were preventable, and the company now has been placed into OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

All the injuries sustained by the employees of the company that produces metal and plastic containers were avoidable, says OSHA. If the proper safeguards on the equipment was in use and the employees had been trained properly, the rate of these instances of injuries could have been much lower. Because the instances of injuries were similar, the company could be at fault for failing to eliminate or control the hazard, per OSHA law.

Should a Maryland resident find him or herself a victim of a workplace injury, filing a workers’ compensation claim may be the next logical step. Some may not realize the process can be lengthy and tagged with obstacles that make filing the claim and obtaining the benefits difficult. An experienced attorney can help victims file for benefits or appeal denied claims, if necessary.

Source: safety.blr.com, “Company’s failure to comply leads to amputations and big fines“, Oct. 2, 2017