Wisconsin Man’s Foot Severed, Femur Crushed in On-the-Job Accident

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Wisconsin Man’s Foot Severed, Femur Crushed in On-the-Job Accident

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a Wisconsin manufacturing company, County Materials Corp., for 18 serious safety violations after a truck driver had his foot severed and femur crushed at a job site in Elderon, Wisconsin on September 19, 2013. OSHA’s investigation found that the incident occurred when a cable on a trolley boom crane broke and pinned the driver against a concrete riser. Many of the 18 violations involved OSHA’s standards for cranes and derricks in construction.

Details of the Case and OSHA Violations

OSHA’s area director in Appleton, WI, said, “Struck-by hazards are one of the leading causes of injuries for construction and transportation workers. Each day, County Materials has a responsibility to train and protect its workers from hazards that they will encounter. Workers have a right to a safe workplace – one that is free from hazards that can cause serious injury.”

The company was cited with serious safety violations—a serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations—a proposed $56,700 in fines—to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings.  In the past 13 years, OSHA has visited County Materials eight times and has issued multiple citations.

What to Do if You Get Hurt at Work

If you get injured at work, it’s essential to write down an account of what happened as soon as you can and with as much detail as you can. Seek medical attention and make sure you receive detailed reports of what you are treated for as well as any bills you are required to pay. Keep tabs on how much work you have to miss as well as what wages you are losing by having to miss work.  Hiring a workers compensation attorney is best, as well, since they will be able to pursue the case in the best possible way and will be able to help you seek out the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact Malman Law today.