Serving table harms employees at a Connecticut school

Wednesday June 14, 2017

Employees of a cafeteria at a Connecticut elementary school recently filed a case with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The matter asserts that a serving table at the school has repetitively zapped and harmed employees. Furthermore, one employee claims that she was let go as a result of her refusal to use the faulty equipment. However, the school has denied this accusation. Since the issue was brought forward to OSHA, the table has been fixed and is safe for operation, according to the agency.

The complaint with OSHA claims that a few of the school’s employees received electric zaps from the malfunctioning table between 2013 and 2014. Moreover, one affected employee was so severely shocked that the worker received nerve damage. The petition asserts that electricians investigated the table several times and never located the root of the electrical problem.

For example, on October 23, 2013, a repairperson inspected the serving apparatus after the first documented incident. At that time, the burner was replaced. Unfortunately, this did not stop the electric zapping. After another visit from a local repair service, which also could not identify the root of the issue, the Board of Education was advised to make an appointment with the district’s maintenance department.

The original company who first inspected the table returned in January 2014 for another look. At that time, the mechanic identified a few voltage issues and shoddy wiring. Unfortunately, further repairs were not made after the harmful shock incident in February 2014, which caused nerve damage to one employee.

Recently, inspectors re-wired the serving table with a new circuit breaker. However, some employees remain concerned.

Workplace accidents

Fortunately, only one person was seriously injured by the malfunctioning table. Hopefully, no more issues will arise. Because OSHA has looked into and addressed the matter, the chance of additional problems seems slim.

The good news is that those harmed in workplace accidents are entitled to recovery rights. If faulty equipment or another issue results in an accident, an injured employee may pursue workers’ compensation benefits.

However, even when compensation is warranted, it can take a long time to actually receive financial benefits after a workplace accident. If you were harmed in a mishap at your job, take the time to speak with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. As you recover from and deal with your injuries, an attorney can help you retain the financial benefits that you need from the appropriate insurance company.

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024
News

KJSR Recognized as Best Personal Injury Firm in CT - 2024

8

February
2024

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?
Articles

Can You File a Claim for Injuries Suffered After a Failure-to-Yield Car Accident?

7

December
2023

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)
Articles

What Happens if You Fall at Work? (and What to Do Next)

7

December
2023

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis
Articles

4 Steps to Take After a Medical Misdiagnosis

15

November
2023

News

KJSR Recognized in 2024 edition of Best Law Firms in America®

2

November
2023

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?
Articles

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?

12

October
2023

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?
Articles

Surgical Stapler Injuries: Can You File a Lawsuit?

9

October
2023

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit
Insights

Everything You Need to Know Before Filing a Pharmaceutical Lawsuit

21

September
2023

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?
Articles

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Deceased After the Accident?

18

September
2023

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident
Articles

What To Do After a Road Construction Accident

12

September
2023