The Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued Hassell Construction Company a 424 thousand dollar fine because of a trench collapse that resulted in an injured worker in Richmond, Texas. According to OSHA’s report, the trench was unprotected, in violation of workplace safety law, and its collapse buried the worker. Co-workers had to dig the injured man out with their bare hands. This is not Hassell Construction’s first safety violation and OSHA came down with substantial punishments as a result.
The Company ‘Wilfully’ Put Workers in Harm’s Way
The Regional Director of OSHA, John Hermanson charged the company with the very serious ‘willful’ violation because trench cave-ins like the one that happened in Richmond, Texas are considered entirely preventable. The company ignored long-standing, well-established, and very basic safety precautions and it knowingly instructed its employees to work in trenches that were unsafe. Hassell Construction Company was also placed in OSHA’s Severe Violators Enforcement Program. This program is specifically designed to include companies that have shown repeated indifference to worker safety. OSHA concentrates additional enforcement resources on companies with this classification and mandates further additional inspection to check for compliance with workplace safety law.
What If I’m Injured On the Job?
While OSHA is responsible for regulating broad workplace safety law compliance, once you are injured in a construction accident or other workplace activity in Texas you should contact and an attorney experienced in workplace injuries as soon as possible. Receiving workers’ compensation can be complicated. The first thing you should do is report your injury to your employer immediately. Texas has a ‘timely notice’ requirement in its code which states that injuries should be reported to an employer within 30 days. Failure to report a workplace injury in a timely manner may inhibit your ability to receive workers’ compensation. If you’ve reported your injury but still have not contacted a qualified attorney it’s important to do so immediately. Your employer and their insurance company are likely to contest your claim. Without an advocate by your side your employer’s insurance company will run the process and attempt to use their experience to limit their liability and your limit your recovery of fair compensation.
You May Be Entitled To More Than Workers’ Compensation
Even if your employer offers Texas workers’ comp coverage, not every work injury is solely covered by workers’ comp. If you have been injured, we can determine whether there is a liability policy that can justly compensate you for your injuries, regardless of worker’s comp.
Contact Us
Don’t go it alone. When you are hurt and forced to miss work, much more than your health is at stake. Fair compensation is your legal right and we can help you obtain it. If you have been injured on the job, contact our San Antonio personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation. Consultations are free and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos, P.C.
1844 Lockhill Selma Rd #102
San Antonio, TX 78213
Phone: (210) 308-8811
Email: info@sanantonioaccidentlawyer.com
Recent Comments