A family is demanding answers after their loved one was killed working in a Macon wall panel plant.
According to recent reports, 59-year-old Willie Bonner was hit by a robotic arm on a conveyor belt and crushed by pallets that fell on top of him; his death is the second to occur at the facility. Back in 2008, a man dropped a pen under a machine and was killed after his sleeve got caught in it.
Several complaints over the years
This isn’t the first time the plant has come under fire for safety hazards. Recent documents from various government agencies show that the plant, owned by the company Nichiha, has had multiple violations in more than a decade. These are a few examples:
- November 2009: The plant was forced to pay more than $100,000 in penalties after being found guilty of 27 health and safety violations.
- December 2011: The company was forced to pay a former employee more than $20,000 after the U.S. Department of Labor discovered the company violated the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- November 2017: The plant was fined by OSHA again after being cited for four repeat offenses and three critical safety violations.
Victim’s loved ones may fight back
The victim’s family recently stated they might file a wrongful death lawsuit against Nichiha. They said they also want to know how and why a piece of factory equipment malfunctioned, resulting in their loved one’s untimely passing.
Nichiha has stated its condolences for Mr. Bonner’s family. The company also said it would provide grief counseling to workers.
Workplace incident victims deserve compensation
Mr. Bonner’s death has caused his family grief and agony, as they now have to suffer through the holiday season without him. While Bonner’s case is still unraveling, his death shows how a workplace fatality can negatively impact more than just employees.
Georgians affected by a critical workplace incident may want to contact a personal injury attorney. They can help clients and their families evaluate claims, take their case to court and get them the compensation they deserve.
