Most people would agree that police officers and firefighters have dangerous jobs. However, many people in California may be unaware of the fact that those who work in construction also face significant workplace dangers. Unfortunately, construction accidents not only cause serious injuries but often prove fatal. For example, one man in another state recently died due to a workplace accident.
The incident happened one afternoon on a day in early January. According to reports, he had worked for the city for 20 years. At the time of the accident, he was working at a site in which crews were attempting to move an underground gas line.
He reportedly marked the main water line before stepping behind a trackhoe. The operator of that machinery was reportedly unaware of the man’s location and accidentally struck him. The victim died as a result. The incident remains under investigation by the local sheriff’s office, and criminal charges have not been filed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigates fatal workplace incidents as well.
Construction accidents such as this are tragic and often leave family members wondering how they will cope with their loss. Although there are safety standards in place that can prevent workplace accidents, they still occur. As a result, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage to help protect victims from the financial ramifications of an accident. These benefits typically extend to certain family members in the event of a fatality and include funeral expenses and lost wages. A professional with experience with such benefits can help these victims in California fully understand the process and the compensation to which they are likely entitled.
Source: fox13now.com, “Hurricane City employee dies after industrial accident in La Verkin“, Mark Green, Jan. 4, 2017