While safety hazards exist in all industrial facilities, each manufacturing plant in Colorado has its own risks that may pose severe injury or life-threatening hazards. However, compliance with safety regulations can prevent a workplace injury, says the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The agency recently cited a manufacturing company after finalizing an investigation into an Oct. 2015 incident that caused serious injuries to an employee.
The company that manufactures products for the bedding industry reportedly failed to safeguard machines to prevent workers from coming into contact with moving parts. According to investigators, the employee was operating a machine that is used to compress, roll and wrap innerspring pads. He reportedly became entangled and was pulled into the machine.
The worker suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a hospital. In addition to a citation for the company’s failure to guard the working parts of machines, investigators also determined that workers did not receive adequate training in the safe use of work gloves. OSHA says that workers must be educated in the limits of protection offered by work gloves in environments in which materials are moved and equipment is manufactured.
Being pulled into a working industrial machine can lead to severe injuries that may even cause disability. The Colorado worker who suffered a serious workplace injury in this incident likely also suffered financial difficulties as a result. Medical expenses and loss of income can bring about financial instability for an injured worker and his or her family. However, workers’ compensation benefits claims may be pursued through the state’s insurance program.
Source: workerscompensation.com, “OSHA Cites Colorado Mattress Spring Manufacturer Following Worker Injury“, Feb. 1, 2016