Hormel Foods is an American food company known for manufacturing Spam. As an employee of Hormel do you ever worry about being hurt on the job? If you are hurt, do you have savings that will help to cover medical care costs? Many employees of Hormel Foods who are hurt during their shift may not be able to continue to work. They are left without wages and being able to pay for rent or utilities. Help for Employees Hurt During Their Shift States have statutes in place that require employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. Employees hurt and unable to work may qualify to receive a portion of their lost wages. Workers’ compensation is provided to employees at no cost to them. Workers’ compensation is there to protect you. If you are hurt during your shift, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. Company Profile: Hormel Foods Hormel Foods Corporation is headquartered in Austin, Minnesota. They are a publicly traded corporation. They have over 19,700 employees. Hormel Foods has 40 manufacturing and distribution facilities. Employees of Hormel Foods Are at Risk Common risks for employees of Hormel Foods include: Use of heavy machinery – operating heavy machinery can lead to cuts, broken bones, loss of limbs, or death. Hair, fingers, or clothing can be caught up by moving parts leading to a life changing injury. Shoulder injuries are common for workers who operate heavy machines because of the constant motion. Line operating – repetitive work due to fast moving assembly lines can cause injury to muscles, joints, hands, and back. This type of work can cause carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries. Slip and falls – slippery surfaces due to leaks and spills leaves workers at risk for pulled muscles, dislocated joints, slipped discs, and closed head injuries. Falls can happen from high altitudes such as gang-planks and ladders. Workers can become disoriented and dizzy. Hurt and Not Sure What to Do? Do not continue to work if you are injured. You can injure yourself further and cause minor injuries to get much worse. Contact your manager right away. Consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. A police officer will respond and create a report that documents your accident. You will be provided with a report number. You can get information on how to obtain a copy of the report for your records. You are entitled to medical care for your on the job injury at Hormel Foods, regardless of who cause the accident. Ask your HR representative to provide you with a list of doctors who can treat you without charge. You can see your private doctor. Just know that you may have out of pocket costs. You are responsible for copays and coinsurance fees. Keep all receipts because you may be eligible for a reimbursement. Kloster V. Hormel Foods Corporation In the case of Kloster v. Hormel Foods Corporation, Lynn Kloster was a Hormel Food employee for over 20 years in shipping/receiving and operated fork lifts. During one of his shifts, he hurt his back. He was seen by his chiropractor who diagnosed his injury, determining a diagnosis of discitis and lumbar strain. Kloster informed his manager who became “enraged and ordered” Kloster back to work. Kloster returned and was unofficially placed on light duties. Continuing to work caused his injury to worsen. He missed work due to the injury. Complaints were made regarding his absences to visit his doctor. Kloster was fired for gross misconduct. Kloster sued Hormel Foods Corporation alleging interference with medical care and discharge in retaliation. Although the jury ruled in his favor stating that he was fired in retaliation, they did not believe that he suffered damages. It’s important to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to know your rights regarding your on the job injury and termination. Be protected. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Hormel Foods Corporation, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
