Most people associate workplace injuries and fatalities with the construction and manufacturing industries, but virtually any Colorado employee in any work environment can be harmed while completing their work duties. A Goodwill employee is a tragic example of just that after he suffered fatal injuries on the job. Although no amount of compensation could ever replace the life of a loved one, his family can likely address the financial-related damages through workers’ compensation death benefits.
The 24-year-old victim had been working at the Goodwill location for only a brief period of time — a few weeks — when the deadly accident occurred. The accident involved a trash compactor, which other employees say they attend to quite often. He was apparently attempting to correctly align one of the trash compactor’s bins when he somehow suffered severe head injuries. Although he was taken to an area medical center, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and died.
Details concerning the accident are not entirely clear, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed that the incident involved the compactor. OSHA investigators also inspected the loading dock and equipment during their initial investigation. Goodwill has yet to comment on the matter other than to extend their condolences to the young victim’s family and friends.
Workplace injuries can range from minor to severe and might be caused by repeated strain or one, large event. No matter how a victim in Colorado is injured, workers’ compensation benefits can provide the financial stability necessary for recovery, which typically includes lost wages and medical bills. Unfortunately, not everyone survives their injuries, in which case temporary death benefits packages are typically available for surviving family members.
Source: fox40.com, “South Sacramento Goodwill Employee Killed in Work Accident“, Doug Johnson, Sept. 30, 2016
