While many people in California and across the country would likely report feeling safe in their work environment, there are many hazards that they face. In fact, even the most safety-conscious workers can find themselves the victims of an industrial accident. In fact, reports indicate that a man was recently killed in an accident at a lumber company in another state.
The incident apparently began just after 4 a.m. on a day in late May. The incident happened in an area where there are silos that process wood. Unfortunately, reports indicate that an alarm sounded, indicating that the auger that processes wood before transporting it by belt to another area was jammed.
The victim, a 34-year-old man, went to investigate but apparently became entangled in the equipment. First responders report discovering the partial remains of the man, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Though there will not be a criminal investigation, an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is anticipated.
If the OSHA investigation results in the discovery of safety and health violations, the man’s employer could face fines, citations or both. While it may provide the man’s surviving family members some comfort knowing that action is being taken to prevent a similar industrial accident in the future, such an investigation will likely do little to help them cope with the emotional and financial consequences of their loss. Fortunately, victims of workplace accidents are usually entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits; these benefits can be extended to certain family members in the event of a fatality such as this. Many people in California who have been in a similar situation have chosen to ask a professional with experience with the compensation process to help them seek the compensation that they deserve.