Workplaces in Colorado where commercial vehicles move about always pose multiple threats. Employers must train all employees to be vigilant in such areas. Moreover, truck drivers must be properly qualified and be aware of pedestrians. Such alertness might have prevented a fatal workplace injury that recently claimed the life of a man in another state.
A police report indicates that the incident occurred at the premises of an insulation company. Reportedly, workers were loading trucks in a parking lot when the driver of a box truck failed to notice a worker behind when he backed up. The 37-year-old employee was knocked down, and one of the box truck’s rear wheels drove over the victim.
The injuries were fatal, and the worker died at the scene. The office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent agents to investigate the incident. The investigators will work on determining the company’s level of compliance with safety regulations. The police investigation will also continue.
The loved ones of the worker who died after suffering a fatal workplace injury can pursue financial relief through the workers’ compensation insurance program. The benefits will cover end-of-life expenses and a percentage of lost wages. Any Colorado family who lost a loved one in such circumstances may want to determine whether the driver was an employee of another company. In such a case, they may want to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assess the viability of a third-party personal injury claim in a civil court by which recovery of other financial and emotional damages may be sought. While the workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, they will have to prove negligence if a civil claim is pursued.
Source: masslive.com, “Springfield police identify man killed in Liberty Street workplace accident“, George Graham, Nov. 23, 2016