Many job-related tasks in California hold certain dangers. Even those that may seem relatively safe may prove to be problematic if the task involves working with large equipment, such as a semi-trailer. Unfortunately, a man was recently killed after suffering workplace injuries in an out-of-state accident involving such a scenario, prompting an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The accident happened one morning in early July. According to police reports, the 58-year-old male victim was working at Advanced Mobility, a company that builds specialty vehicles and custom trailers. The man was reportedly working underneath a semi-trailer when the accident occurred.
Both the police and the medical examiner’s office claim that the trailer fell onto the victim’s chest and head after a hydraulic line suffered a puncture. He was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed that he died as a result of blunt force injuries.
Employers must meet certain health and safety standards in order to protect both the safety of employees and others. As a result, a fatal accident often results in an investigation conducted by OSHA. If violations are found, the company could face fines and/or citations. While these investigations may prevent future accidents, they do little to help those suffering from workplace injuries, including family members in the event of a fatality. To help these victims with the financial ramifications of an accident, California requires employers to provided workers’ compensation insurance coverage; those who deserve such benefits have the option of seeking the guidance of a professional with experience with the compensation process in order to ensure a fair outcome.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “58-year-old man killed in Monee industrial accident“, Jordan Owen, July 6, 2016
