Workers’ compensation plays a special role in helping people get the care they need after a workplace injury. For many, this is an immense help, since it covers medical bills and some lost wages during recovery. Any time someone is hurt, workers’ compensation could provide the support needed in a trying time.
Recently, a news article published on Aug. 23 discussed criminal charges being filed against a railcar cleaning company based in Omaha. The news reports that the owners of the company face charges for an explosion that killed two workers. The company’s president and vice president are both named in a 22-count indictment.
Some of those charges include violating worker safety standards, submitting false documents and conspiracy. The company allegedly failed to implement safety standards and then went as far as to attempt to coverup the lack of safety standards during the investigation performed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The two workers, 40 and 44 years old respectively, were killed in an explosion on April 14, 2015. Another worker was hurt but not killed. That same year, OSHA cited the company 33 times for violations that clearly showed the risk of an explosion in the time leading up to the incident.
Businesses need to take employee safety seriously. Failing to do so leads to serious accidents like the above, which can devastate a family and work place. If you’re hurt or lose a loved one, know that workers’ compensation should be there to help you as you recover. Whether you require payments for medical care or your family for death benefits, it’s something that can help.