New Orleans Worker’s Death Due to Hair Entanglement Accident Raises Questions about Safety Issues Surrounding Long Hair at Work

In August, 2022, news of a horrific workplace accident circulated across the internet and troubled readers from coast to coast. According to local news reports, on Tuesday, April 19, a New Orleans ground worker was killed at the New Orleans International Airport where she worked after her hair became entangled in airport machinery. Reports indicate that 26-year-old Jermani Thompson was servicing a Frontier Airlines flight at around 10 p.m. in the evening when her hair became tangled up in the mechanical portion of a belt loader. Ms. Thompson was rushed to the hospital for life saving medical treatment, but she, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries and died at the hospital. GAT Airline Ground Support, the company that employed Ms. Thompson, said of the horrific accident, “We are heartbroken and are supporting her family and her friends as best as we are able.” Director of Aviation at New Orleans International Airport Kevin Dolliole noted of the incident, “Jermani was a part of our airport family, and we will continue to support one another in any way we can during this trying time.” Angela Dorsey, the mother of Jermani Thompson, said, “She was my baby girl. Everybody loved her.” Indeed, Ms. Thompson’s life was one taken far too soon in a horrific and tragic workplace accident.

Hazards of Long Hair in New Orleans Workplaces Exposed

The terrible death of Jermani Thompson raises questions in workers’ minds about the hazards of long hair at work. Depending on the workplace, long hair can pose many different workplace hazards to workers, and can lead to disabling injury and, as the recent case above demonstrates, even death. It is important for New Orleans workers to be aware that long hair can get caught in machinery, causing a potential for a scalping injury, which can be fatal. Long hair can also obstruct a worker’s vision, leading to workplace accidents. Long hair can be a fire hazard in the workplace if it is not kept tight to the head. It can also contaminate substances, as it can transfer debris and material from one place to another. Finally, long hair can interfere with personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace, so it is important for workers to always secure hair back to ensure protective equipment and gear is properly worn.

Legal Help for Injured Workers in New Orleans – Experienced New Orleans Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were injured in a serious workplace accident it is important to learn about your rights and options to compensation. The experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help Louisiana workers get workers’ compensation benefits due to them when they are injured on the job and are unable to work. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact the experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ground-worker-new-orleans-airport-killed-machinery-accident-rcna45804