The vast majority of people in California likely feels relatively safe in their workplace environment. However, the reality is that for some people something as simple as a slip can result in serious workplace injuries. In fact, authorities in another state are currently investigating a workplace accident that resulted in a fatality.
The incident happened at a Georgia-Pacific paper mill. According to reports, an employee fell into a pulper machine. Although his co-workers witnessed the fall, they claim there were unable to reach the emergency stop button in time. Witnesses described the scene as horrifying.
When emergency workers arrived at the scene, the man had already passed away. Workers expected to work through the night in their retrieval efforts. They had to take the machine apart in order to recover the man’s body. Officials are withholding the man’s identity until family members have been notified.
Accidents that cause fatal workplace injuries spark investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These investigations work to determine whether health or safety standards were violated leading up to the fatality. The result could potentially prevent other employees from suffering similarly. While many people in California who have lost a loved one in such an accident find some comfort in knowing that others will not suffer as they have, OSHA findings will not help them cope with the financial ramifications of their loss. However, they may qualify for workers’ compensation insurance benefits; an experienced attorney can help them ensure that they are treated fairly by insurance companies.
Source: wset.com, “Employee dies after falling into pulper machine at Georgia-Pacific paper mill“, Ashley Ann and Marissa Parra, Nov. 23, 2016
