Working on equipment like cranes is inherently dangerous. Knowing that a loved one faces potentially dangerous conditions at work everyday will often cause constant stress for a worker’s family. Companies are duty bound to take all possible steps to protect workers and provide a safe working environment. Despite this fact, crane accidents in Colorado are not uncommon, and residents may be interested to learn about the recent death of two crane workers in another state.
Two 34-year-old employees of an electrical contracting company died when the supporting boom of the crane on which they were performing their duties malfunctioned. The men were doing maintenance on high-voltage wires when the accident happened. Although the crane malfunction occurred on the property of a third party, the crane was that of their employer, who was the party responsible for the safety of the workers on the crane.
The State Police said that no criminal activity was suspected. It was reported that State Police regarded the incident as accidental, however, an OSHA investigation is pending. A spokesman of OSHA responded to inquiries that an investigation would determine whether any safety regulations were violated.
Colorado families who have lost loved ones in crane accidents or any other workplace accidents retain the right to apply for benefits from workers’ compensation. The compensation would typically cover medical and end-of-life expenses, a portion of lost wages and survivor benefits. Although this may not alter the effect of the tragedy on those left behind, it may alleviate the financial burden they are facing.
Source: The Boston Globe, “Two die in workplace accident at Bourne stone company“, Jeremy C. Fox, April 12, 2014