After witnessing the electrocution of one of his coworkers, NJ Transit employee Tony Araujo was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and advised to take time off.  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Whistleblower Office, when informed of the diagnosis, Araujo’s boss suspended him without pay and accused him of being responsible for his coworker’s death.

Araujo, under a 3-year-old federal law designed to prevent company retaliation against workers who report safety violations or injuries, was awarded nearly $600,000 in damages today.The investigation found that NJ Transit exhibited complete disregard for the Federal Rail Safety Act and had negligently and indifferently ignored Araujo’s rights.

According to NJ transit spokeswoman Penny Bassett Hackett, the organization is reviewing the findings and considering all of its appeal options.

Organizations should be held responsible for the safety of their workers, especially in environments where injury is possible. When they do not meet safety standards, they should be held to account by legal action. If you or a loved one has been injured or wronged in the workplace, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys of Levinson Axelrod by calling 800-346-5529