The risk of being injured at work is likely well known. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that over 4,000 fatal workplace injuries were reported in 2014. Of that number, 28 percent were related to occupations involving moving or transportation, and within that group, almost a quarter of fatalities were caused by falling equipment or other objects. A recent out-of-state incident involving a man from California has added to the number fatalities.
The incident happened one morning in early October. According to reports, the 48-year-old victim was at a loading dock at a company that deals with architectural glass production. When he unstrapped a load of glass, it reportedly shifted, falling on him. He was trapped underneath.
Workers at the Utah company, Viracon, as well as emergency responders were eventually able to extricate the man from the broken glass. CPR was performed, and the victim was transported to the hospital by helicopter. Unfortunately, he ultimately passed away as a result of the injuries he suffered in the accident.
Thousands of families each year must cope with the devastating news that their loved one suffered fatal workplace injuries. Because the potential for such harm is known, employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits. These benefits cover medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses, and they typically extend to certain family members in the event of a fatality. Because it may be difficult to negotiate with an insurance company during a time filled with shock and grief, many families in California ask an experienced professional to negotiate on their behalf.
Source: stgeorgeutah.com, “Man crushed under thousands of pounds of glass dies“, Cody Blowers, Oct. 7, 2016
