When walking through the average workplace in California, an observer can likely notice indicators that employee safety is a top priority. There are often warning signs and protective gear visible throughout a business. Unfortunately, despite these efforts employees can still suffer workplace injuries that often prove fatal.
The family of one out-of-state man is likely coming to terms with this reality after a fatal workplace accident took the worker’s life. The incident is said to have happened on a day in mid-January. The 57-year-old victim was reportedly at a welding station at a company that creates structural steel. A steel beam is believed to have fallen on him.
The time that the accident occurred is unclear, but the man was discovered around noon. The release of his identity has been delayed to allow authorities time to contact his next of kin. As with all fatal workplace accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct an investigation. If the investigation reveals that the man’s employer was violating health or safety standards, the company could face fines and citations.
In the meantime, the man’s family is likely in shock following the news of the fatal workplace injuries the man suffered. For many families who lose a loved one in such a manner, financial hardship comes with the grief. While surviving family members may qualify for workers’ compensation insurance benefits, they may have difficulty securing a fair settlement in their time of mourning. As a result, many people in California experiencing similar circumstances hire an attorney with experience regarding the process to help them.
Source: CBS Philly, “Emergency Crews Investigate Fatal Bensalem Industrial Accident“, Molly Daly, Jan. 16, 2017
