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Workplace injuries: Company fined after man loses fingers

On Behalf of | Apr 30, 2019 | Workplace Injuries |

Fingers and other extremities are important for the daily function and work of most people. Losing any part or all of an extremity can be life-changing. Unfortunately, one California worker lost two fingers last fall in a work-related accident. Workplace injuries like his are most often covered by workers’ compensation insurance. 

The employee was hired by a staffing agency and assigned to work for the company where the accident occurred. During his time at the assigned company, he was tasked to clean a dough-rolling machine. In the process, his fingers were pinched and pulled into the machine. Sadly, two of his fingers were amputated.

The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified and investigated the injury. Cal/OSHA recently reported its findings and has fined the company approximately $300,000 for safety violations. In the report, Cal/OSHA found no evidence to support that the employee had been trained to safely operate the machine. In addition, the machine he was cleaning was not properly guarded or turned off to prevent a worker injury.

Regulations and fines against a company from Cal/OSHA help improve and prevent future injuries to other employees. Employees may find it comforting to learn that changes may occur to help keep others safe, but employees may also be concerned about their own medical expenses and quality of life following an injury. Skilled California attorneys can assist individuals who have suffered serious workplace injuries with filing workers’ compensation claims and/or a personal injury lawsuit if appropriate.

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