Inclement weather can make a workplace much more dangerous. Companies in Colorado are required to train employees to operate within certain safety guidelines, but these may not always cover outside variables such as weather conditions. Awareness of the threat that weather can present may help to prevent workplace injury. A recent accident claimed the life of a 50-year-old man.
The accident occurred in another state, where two men were loading fertilizer into a covered train car. Early investigation suggests that the cold weather caused the fertilizer to clump up, eventually jamming the loader. One of the men was apparently trying to fix the issue when he fell into the covered train car, where he was covered by the fertilizer. He was ultimately unable to escape.
A co-worker saw that the man was trapped in the car and tried frantically to help. Using a large hammer, he tried to break up the clumped fertilizer to rescue the man. Another co-worker arrived on scene, and the two attempted to shovel the fertilizer out of the car. By the time ambulances arrived, the man had been underneath for too long.
Loss of a loved one can be difficult in many ways. High funeral and burial costs, as well as any medical costs that are accrued if the person does not die at the workplace, can be a significant burden. Family members in Colorado who have lost a loved one to a fatal workplace injury have the option to seek financial help through the workers’ compensation insurance system. Since this type of claim can be complex, many families in this situation seek the advice of an experienced attorney to help them navigate the process.
Source: whec.com, “Man killed in Lakeville workplace accident“, Nina Porciuncula, Jan. 26, 2017