Crane accidents have been in the headlines lately, and one recent incident demonstrates once again how dangerous they can be at work sites here in Colorado and elsewhere. A man was on a crane in another state when he was involved in a fatal construction accident. Now local officials, as well as the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are investigating.
According to a recent report, the man at the center of this construction accident was working on a project to replace a bridge. Early in the afternoon, the 51-year-old man was in a large 50-ton crane. The crane is said to have tipped over and pinned the man, who died from his injuries.
The official investigation into this incident is continuing. As those inquiring into the accident proceed, they are trying to determine why the crane tipped over as the man was working with it. They will likely look at any circumstances that may have caused or contributed to the fatal accident.
As they await the details of what happened, the surviving family of the man who died in this construction accident must begin to rebuild their torn lives. Like similar cases in Colorado, this may mean a claim to the state workers’ compensation program. Such a claim cam assist a grieving family with the costs associated with their loss, including lost wages. In many cases, this financial assistance can offer a bit of solace to the family as they attempt to deal with the loss of a loved one.
Source: cjonline.om, “Holton man killed in crane accident,” Feb. 5, 2013