Despite the comprehensive list of safety regulations prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplace accidents continue to occur on job sites in Colorado and other states. Company owners must follow strict rules related to reporting serious injuries, hospitalizations and fatalities to the federal safety agency. OSHA said it recently learned of the unreported death of a worker who succumbed to fatal occupational injuries.
Reportedly, a 56-year-old man who worked for a fresh produce company in a neighboring state suffered severe injuries that led to his hospitalization late last month. An incident report indicated that a metal beam struck his head while he moved potatoes. The man died of his head injuries three days later. The company allegedly failed to report this to OSHA.
Safety regulations cover every industry and address common hazards. This includes industrial facilities in which struck-by hazards are prevalent. If the employer of this victim had seen to it that the employee wore a hard hat, he might have survived the head injuries. His loved ones will now have to adjust to life without him.
Colorado families who are in similar situations after the death of a loved one who suffered fatal occupational injuries may need assistance with the unanticipated financial consequences. Not only will they face the high costs associated with end-of-life arrangements, but also the sudden loss of income. Fortunately, the workers’ compensation insurance system allows grieving family members to file death benefits claims that typically cover the costs of a funeral and burial along with a percentage of lost wages.
Source: klin.com, “OSHA Investigating Last Week’s Death of Nebraska Worker”, Nov. 4, 2016