Colorado companies, as those in other states, have a responsibility to ensure a reasonably safe environment for their workers. A fatality occurred recently at a dealership that supplies construction companies with equipment such as excavators, front-end loaders and graders. They also provide maintenance services of the equipment. The person servicing such hazardous materials is constantly risking his or her life, due to the size and weight of these machines.
A 48-year-old employee of this dealership recently lost his life while working underneath a front-end loader. It was reported that the extremely heavy vehicle fell on top of the man, crushing him to death. Serious workplace injuries and fatalities are typically investigated by the state agency OSHA. An investigation to establish the circumstances under which the accident occurred is currently underway.
Any jobs relating to construction are inherently dangerous. Heavy lifting, hazardous equipment and other factors often contribute to serious accidents. Construction companies are duty bound to protect their workers; however, workers continue to suffer neck, back and other serious injuries on a regular basis. Such injuries are often life-altering and may result in the victim being unable to continue working, due to disability.
Colorado workers who have suffered injuries while working with hazardous equipment may retain the right to pursue a claim for compensation through Colorado workers’ compensation. If such a claim is successful, the injured worker may receive monetary restitution to cover medical costs incurred in the accident. Similarly, in the event of a fatality, the family who lost their loved one may pursue such a workers’ compensation claim to cover funeral costs.
Source: insidebayarea.com, Worker fatally crushed at San Leandro company, No author, Feb. 14, 2014