Certain occupations in North Carolina carry a higher level of risk to the safety of workers than other professions. Along with construction, firefighting and law enforcement, those who work in factories, mills and other industrial settings face significant hazards daily. Often, these workers are around heavy machinery and equipment that can cause a worker to suffer serious injuries for various reasons. One such incident recently happened in Roanoke Rapids that injured four workers.
Incident details
The report did not offer a lot of details regarding the incident. However, the incident occurred sometime around 1:30 in the afternoon on Aug. 25. It happened at a West Rock paper mill on Gaston Road. Apparently, a machine released steam from a valve; however, a radio traffic message about the incident mentioned that a machine had blown up.
Whether the steam was released as a normal part of the operation or malfunctioned is unclear, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration is investigating the incident. Regardless, the incident injured four workers, including one who had to be airlifted to the hospital. No word was given as to the worker’s status, only to say that the injuries were critical.
Obtaining benefits
All employers in North Carolina who employ more than three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. The individuals injured in this incident have the right to obtain compensation, but the process can be complex and challenging to successfully navigate. This is why each of the injured workers should work closely with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in North Carolina to increase their chances of getting the benefits they need when they can no longer work.