Yesterday, we told you about a Conshohocken, PA, steel manufacturing facility that was cited by OSHA last month for overexposing its workers to chemicals that can lead to lung disease.
Another manufacturer, this time a New Jersey chemical manufacturer, was also cited last month by OSHA for exposing workers to chemical and other hazardous fumes and gases. OSHA proposed $82,500 in penalties to the company.
The company failed to ensure that workers were not overexposed to formaldehyde and failed to implement effective controls and work practices to reduce formaldehyde exposure.
Chemical facilities are supposed to follow process safety management (PSM) requirements to prevent a catastrophic release of toxic, flammable liquids and gases in chemical processes. When PSM requirements are not followed, workers are exposed to dangerous fire hazards.
In New Jersey, though workers generally cannot sue their employers for injuries sustained at the workplace, there is an exception where an employer can be sued for the workers' injuries. The exception is called an "intentional wrong."
Workplace accidents can be devastating for you and your family. You shouldn't have to suffer because someone did not comply with the regulations that are supposed to protect you while you are on the job. It is important to speak to a New Jersey lawyer who is experienced in handling industrial accident cases and workplace accidents to find out what your legal rights are.