Co-workers mourned the loss of one of their own recently, following a tragic workplace accident at the ORBIS plastics plant outside of Lexington. Any workplace can present potential dangers for its employees but heavy machinery can end lives when things go wrong.
Safety measures fail
The employee, a 64-year-old man, was using a machine designed for plastic injection molding. According to reports, the machine became stuck. In an effort to free it up, he needed to climb into the machine. Prior to doing so, he shut the machine off and engaged four safety bolts intended to act as a fail-safe against accidents. However, after he was inside, one of the safety bolts failed. The machine came down, killing him instantly.
Every year, dozens of Kentucky workers are killed on the job and many more are injured. In each case, questions must be asked. Why did the safety bolts fail if they were specifically designed to prevent this type of accident? Were they designed or manufactured poorly? Were they maintained improperly or not inspected frequently enough? Why were they not replaced before they could reach the point of failure?
Workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation cannot replace the loss of a loved one. For injured workers and for the families of those who die, justice comes when the employer or manufacturer responsible for the accident is held accountable. If you are injured in a workplace accident, you may decide that your best option is seek that accountability through a lawsuit. Get professional assistance to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and every question is answered.