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, L.L.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
Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023
News

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023

16

March
2023

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut
ArticlesInsights

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut

28

February
2023

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

20

February
2023

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online
News

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online

20

February
2023

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.
News

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.

6

February
2023

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur
Insights

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur

23

January
2023

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut
Articles

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut

6

January
2023

How Long Do You Have To File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Articles

How Long Do You Have To File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

5

December
2022

Where Does Liability Fall in a Scaffolding Accident?
Articles

Where Does Liability Fall in a Scaffolding Accident?

23

November
2022

The Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Intersection Accidents

18

November
2022