Though working outdoors can have many benefits, it also poses health and safety risks. If workers have to spend significant amounts of time exposed to the elements or in the heat, they could suffer significantly negative effects to their health. In some cases, fatalities could occur, and workers’ compensation may be warranted.
This type of outcome unfortunately affected one worker in California. According to recent reports, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health learned of a pool worker’s death that occurred in June. Apparently, the 38-year-old worker was found unresponsive in his vehicle outside his place of employment after leaving work. He had apparently suffered from heatstroke and was transported to an area hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries the next day.
The company for which the man worked did not report the fatality to Cal/OSHA, which found out about the incident nearly two weeks after it occurred. The company now faces a citation and other penalties due to its failure to report the fatality. Cal/OSHA’s investigation into the incident was still ongoing at the time of the report.
The family of the California worker who died may still be coming to terms with their sudden loss. If they have not already, they may want to ensure that they understand their possible options for seeking workers’ compensation on behalf of their loved one. Survivors’ benefits could prove useful to them in covering financial hardships that have resulted since the incident. Because obtaining benefits is not always easy, it may be wise for the family to enlist professional assistance.
