Safety protocols are an essential part of an effective business. When dealing with employee safety, a business is responsible for providing and enforcing proper safety training. Without such practices, employees are vulnerable to workplace injuries. A chain of Goodwill stores in California is facing accusations of failing to provide a safe environment to its employees.
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened three more investigations against the branch, and two lawsuits have also been brought against the retailer. The particular chain has a history of safety violations in greater numbers than any other Goodwill chain in California. OSHA has declined to report on the open cases, citing confidentiality concerns. A representative from Goodwill has claimed the violations were common issues that were quickly addressed.
The death of a man, whose head had been crushed by a compactor, made news earlier this year. His co-worker has filed a lawsuit, claiming he was fired because he complied with an investigation into the events. Another former employee of the company has filed suit, citing unsafe conditions in the building that led to a disabling injury.
The California retailer will have its hands full dealing with numerous claims and the aftershock of the workplace injuries. Those who have witnessed such traumatic events will have to cope with the memories forever. Workers are protected by state and federal law against unsafe conditions on the job site. A person who has been the victim of an injury due to the negligence of his or her employer has the right to contact an attorney for guidance through the case.
Source: The Sacramento Bee, “Sacramento Goodwill faces new lawsuits, worker safety investigations“, Marjie Lundstrom, Sept. 9, 2017