Worker’s compensation cost the nation billions

Many Americans remember the recent fertilizer plant explosions in West, Texas that took place only last month. The massive explosion created devastation to the small Texas town injuring hundreds and causing an estimated $100 million in property damage. It is also a worker’s compensation nightmare for the company. The explosion left 15 people killed and officials have been talking about the need for increased workplace safety regulations so that disasters like this don’t happen again.

It may not come as a surprise that the fertilizer plant in West, Texas had not been inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since 1985. OSHA is responsible for inspecting most workplaces across the US to insure workers and employees are working in a safe environment. In addition to the lack of inspection, workers’ compensation may be an issue in this case since Texas is the only state to not require companies to contribute to worker’s compensation coverage.