Too often, our nation’s workplaces become jumbled messes, and some of the worst offenses can quickly turn into fire hazards. Unmarked fire exits, extension cords used in place of permanent wiring and haphazardly stacked materials can all lead to dangerous, and potentially lethal, situations.
All of these offenses and more were discovered during a recent inspection of United Airlines facilities by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Sixteen safety violations were noted at the Newark airport, three of which were repeat offenses that had been discovered during inspections in both 2011 and 2013.
The inspections were part of an OSHA campaign to improve workplaces with high rates of injuries and illness. OSHA has proposed that United pay penalties of over $100,000.
The air travel behemoth was hit with nine serious infractions, reaching a total of $46,300 in fines, plus another $55,000 in repeat offenses. The violations included:
- Exposing mechanics to fall hazards
- Storing aircraft parts on racks which were not only damaged, but not anchored to any wall or support structure
- Failing to properly guard and/or dispose of waste materials
- Failing to place signs in areas where exits were not obvious
- Using ladders for purposes not intended by the manufacturer, many of which were damaged
My Workplace Is Unsafe! Who Can I Call?
When employers know there is substantial likelihood that serious physical harm or death could result from their actions, it is a clear sign of negligence. By offering insufficient safety concerns and refusing to make even basic repairs, United has endangered the welfare of its workforce. Basic fire safety is not an area where any company can cut corners.
If you feel your workplace is not safe, it is imperative that you speak to a licensed attorney. Remember—you cannot be retaliated against for following safety procedures. Visit our Facebook page to share your story—only by revealing these companies’ negligence can we hope to stop it for future generations.
[Did You Know: United Airlines, founded in 1926, employs over 88,500 people.]
Spevack Law Firm – Middlesex County Personal Injury Lawyers
Source: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=26430
