The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined Norfolk-based Colonna’s Shipyard more than $100,000 in penalties for 12 safety and health violations the agency found after an inspection in May, WAVY reported on November 19.
Several of the violations cited were unguarded manholes, lack of fall protection, and defective equipment that exposed workers to electrical hazards. In a statement, OSHA director Dan DeWease underscored how dangerous shipyard work is, with an accident rate of over twice as high than that of construction and general industry.
According to DeWease, shipyard accidents and injuries are preventable if the right safeguards are put in place.
The law dictates that the responsibility of ensuring workplace safety and health rests on the employer. Sadly, many employers in Norfolk still fail to proactively maintain a safe work site. If you have been exposed to workplace dangers and have been hurt while on duty, our workers’ compensation lawyers at Joe Miller Law, might be able to help you file a case. Call us at (888) 694-1671, and discuss your situation with us today.
