Worker Loses Life in Tragic Meat Grinder Accident

Posted on May 22, 2019

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers weigh in on a tragic meat grinder accident that claimed a worker's life. An employee at the Economy Locker Storage Company in Pennsdale, Pennsylvania was working at a processing plant when she either fell or was pulled into a meat grinder. No one saw the horrific accident occur. Fire and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene after another employee reported hearing noises coming from the machine. They recovered the employee’s body after disassembling the machine. Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigating the accident.

Caught In/Between Injuries

Caught in/between accidents are one of OSHA’s fatal four, which account for approximately four percent of all construction fatalities. Due to the nature of the types of machinery that are often involved in these accidents, the injuries can be quite severe, including:

  • Amputations
  • Fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Organ damage
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Tissue Damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

In addition to the devastating injuries and fatalities that can occur in caught in/between accidents, there are significant costs associated with these accidents, including the following:

  • Wage and productivity losses
  • Medical expenses
  • Costs associated with repairing the machine
  • Overtime costs required to make up for lost productivity
  • Cost of training new workers
  • Increase in insurance rates
  • Legal fees
  • Lost income if the company’s safety reputation is tarnished, resulting in lost bids for new contracts

Safety Tips

Fortunately, most of these accidents are preventable if employers prioritize safety and take the following steps to ensure that the work environment is safe and free of any hazards:

  • Provide all employees with proper training on the hazards associated with the equipment they are using, and how to prevent workplace accidents.
  • Make sure that machine guards are always in place.
  • Follow the lockout/tagout procedures specific to each machine.
  • Oversee the regular inspection and maintenance of all equipment.
  • Provide all workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Make sure that equipment is properly secured and supported.
  • Notify employees that they must keep a safe distance from heavy machinery. There should be a limited access zone or swing radius around certain types of machinery.
  • Instruct workers to remove all jewelry or any loose or tattered clothing when working around large machinery. Employees with long hair should pull it back.
  • Remind workers that they should never step on or reach across equipment that is running.
  • Hold regular staff meetings to go over regulatory standards and safety guidelines.

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Caught In/Between Accidents

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a caught in/between accident at work, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. These dangerous accidents can be avoided if employers provide safe work environments and proper safety training. Our skilled legal team will guide you through the claims process and secure the maximum financial benefits you deserve for your injuries. We will not stop fighting for you until we have your complete satisfaction. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients throughout Maryland.