The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that the annual number of workplace fatalities nationwide exceeds 4,300. The actual number is said to equate to more than a dozen workers dying every day from occupational injuries or illnesses. Most deaths might have been avoided had safety regulations been complied with by employers in Colorado and other states. OSHA is investigating a tragic incident that claimed the life of a worker in a neighboring state.
Investigators say the workplace accident happened on a recent Tuesday morning on the site of an industrial company. A 24-year-old worker was struck in the head when a lathe machine part unexpectedly bent. The impact of the blow to his head reportedly caused his instant death.
It is not known what safety measures — if any — were in place at the machine where the man was working. There are specific hazards to be addressed at sites at which workers are exposed to industrial equipment. The OSHA investigators will focus on worker safety at this facility and determine whether this man’s death involved safety violations.
However, even if it is found that a worker’s death was an accident and not the result of the employer’s failure to maintain a safe workplace environment, his dependents will be entitled to pursue workers’ compensation death benefits claims. If a Colorado worker dies as the result of occupational injuries, the workers’ compensation insurance system typically provides compensation for the expenses related to end-of-life arrangements. Also, a financial package that is based on the deceased employee’s latest level of income may be provided as lost income to assist dependents with living expenses for a designated period after the tragic loss.
Source: wibw.com, “South Kansas man dies in industrial accident”, Nick Viviani, Jan. 13, 2016