No workplace in California is completely devoid of safety risks. As a result, the Occupational Safety and health Administration has created various standards in order to protect workers while they complete their job responsibilities. Unfortunately, even the most stringent of standards cannot completely prevent workplace injuries. Investigators are likely investigating a recent incident that resulted in one man’s death.
Reports indicate that the accident happened one morning in January. According to the sheriff’s department, the 41-year-old man traveled away from the main road on a vehicle designed to traverse the snow. Workers were attempting to remove a tree branch near a power line when the victim was struck by the branch.
Unfortunately, he suffered severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal. In order to fully understand the cause of a fatal accident such as this, OSHA will conduct an investigation. If violations of health or safety standards are discovered, the man’s employer could face fines or citations.
In the meantime, the man’s family is left coping with the burden and expense of planning a funeral unexpectedly. In addition to funeral costs, families who lose a loved one as a result of workplace injuries also struggle due to lost wages. Because of the potential financial harm caused by workplace accidents such as this, employers in California and across the country are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits that can help victims and their family members cope with these expenses. Those who deserve such benefits often have little experience with the compensation process, and as a result, they often turn to a professional who helps them seek the compensation they deserve.
Source: mtshastanews.com, “Sheriff’s Office reports fatal ‘industrial accident’“, Jan. 10, 2017