The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a list of strict safety regulations related to the use of forklifts in Colorado and all other states. Only employees who have received appropriate training are allowed to operate any type of lift truck, and there are multiple rules with which they must comply. Unfortunately, these regulations are often disregarded — sometimes resulting in employees being fatally injured at work.
The recent death of an employee in a neighboring state is under the investigation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. According to police, an employee of a plastics manufacturer came upon the body of a coworker who had apparently been involved in a workplace accident. Reportedly, the incident occurred early on a recent Wednesday morning.
The company’s records indicate that the employee was a 53-year-old press operator who also worked as a backup grinder. It also shows his employment at the company started in 2014. He was found pinned against another piece of equipment. He had suffered fatal injuries of which the exact cause is under investigation. The coroner went to the scene to pronounce the worker’s death.
Regardless of the outcome of such an investigation, the surviving family members of any employee who is fatally injured at work in Colorado may pursue financial assistance with the unanticipated costs of end-of-life arrangements along with the loss of income. These are typically covered by survivors’ benefits that families can claim from the workers’ compensation insurance system. The services of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys are available to provide support and guidance with the claims process.
Source: Brandon Peoples, “Topeka man killed in Osage City workplace accident”, Brandon Peoples, May 31, 2017
