A salmon fish hatchery in Alaska is currently on probation while it brings its systems into compliance with safety regulations. The company has also been ordered to pay a $1 million fine after a worker suffered severe injuries on the job. Government investigators say that the worker was hurt after fuel that was illegally burned on site.
It is not the first time the company has been cited for safety violations. Government officials say that the fish hatchery has a history of burning barrels of used oil, in violation of hazardous waste regulations. The injured worker was airlifted to a trauma center that was equipped to handle his injuries.
Fish hatchery hired another company to remove hazardous waste
According to a plea agreement associated with this case, the fish hatchery ultimately hired a contractor to safely remove additional hazardous waste from the site. The company’s probation will last for the next five years. During this time, company owners must see to it that the business fully complies with a safety compliance plan.
This hatchery is on Prince William Sound. The business generates approximately $50 million in annual sales. As for workers who suffer injuries on the job, a claim for workers’ compensation benefits may be filed after reporting the injury to the employer. If complications arise during the claims process, a worker has every right to consult with a workers’ compensation law attorney, who can then review the case and make recommendations, including whether to file an appeal if an initial claim was denied.
