A workplace death in California typically prompts an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in order to determine the cause of the accident and what — if anything — could have prevented it. Depending on the organization’s findings, the employer could face fines and/or citations. An accident resulting in fatal workplace injuries has recently prompted such an investigation in another state.
The accident happened at a company that creates industrial-use metal products used to on the bodies of dump trucks. Rescue workers were called to the scene just before 9 a.m. one morning in October. According to reports, employees were working on a piece of equipment described as cabinet-like. For reasons that are unclear, the equipment fell over, landing on a 45-year-old employee.
Seven employees were able to remove the equipment, which reportedly weighed several thousand pounds. The injured worker was transported to the hospital where he passed away as a result of injuries suffered during the incident. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was blunt-force injury to his abdomen and chest.
OSHA has several regulations in place meant to protect the health and safety of employees in California and across the country. Even when these regulations are followed, employees can suffer serious, and even fatal, workplace injuries. As a result, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage to help with medical costs and lost wages if an accident occurs. In the event of a fatality, these benefits also cover funeral expenses and can extend to cover certain family members. Many who deserve such compensation seek the help of attorneys with experience with the compensation process to help ensure fair treatment.
Source: poststar.com, “Worker dies from industrial accident at Fort Miller Group metal plant“, Don Lehman, Oct. 20, 2016
