In North Carolina and elsewhere, people deserve to go to work and perform their duties without fear of becoming involved in a horrible workplace accident. Unfortunately, many companies are more concerned with employee production than employee safety, and unsuspecting workers can suffer life-altering injuries as a result. One situation happened at a distribution center for the U.S. Postal Service, and the accident caused one worker to lose his arm.
Accident details
In a report issued on March 14, the U.S. Postal Service said it was continuing to investigate an accident at a distribution center in Greensboro. The Service is also reviewing a citation it received from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding egregious safety violations at the facility. The U.S. Postal Service reiterated its commitment and support of employee safety.
The accident in question occurred on Sept. 27, 2021. A mechanic was working on a piece of equipment that had its safety guard removed. No word was given as to how the machine turned on or began moving, but it essentially amputated the mechanic’s arm. OSHA also stated that workers at the facility had not been trained properly regarding safety, the use of protective equipment and other important matters to help keep them safe. The agency fined the Postal Service over $170,000 in total.
Legal recourse
As all injured employee in North Carolina, the affected worker has the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits under the Federal Employees Compensation Act to help with medical care and living expenses. Usually, workers who file for workers’ compensation cannot pursue separate civil claims against their employers, but exceptions do exist. One exception is if the employee can prove the employer acted with willful, wonton or reckless conduct. A hard row to hoe, pursuing compensation is best accomplished alongside the trustworthy counsel and aggressive advocacy of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.