Three months ago, an Illinois man left his home for his first day at a new job. Sadly, he never made it home that night. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has completed an investigation into the incident in which this man suffered a fatal workplace injury. Investigators identified several serious safety violations at this facility, where mobile medical tractors are manufactured, and also at another one of the company’s plants
An incident report indicates that a 58-year-old electrician was positioned underneath a trailer of a mobile medical tractor on which he was working. Reportedly, another employee unintentionally caused a puncture in a hydraulic line that held the trailer elevated. The heavy vehicle came crashing down onto the electrician’s chest and head, causing his death.
During the OSHA investigation, it was determined that the employer did not ensure that safety pins were inserted in the front hydraulic stands of the trailer. Furthermore, no rear stationary jacks were used to prevent such an accident. The business was cited for a serious safety violation for this incident. Another inspection was then launched at a different manufacturing plant of the same company where investigators found that the safety and health of those employees were also threatened.
An Illinois family who has to cope with a loved one’s death after suffering a fatal workplace injury likely need financial assistance. Fortunately, help is available through the workers’ compensation insurance program. Death benefits claims may be filed for coverage of expenses related to end-of-life arrangements along with a wage replacement package that is typically based on the average wage of the deceased worker.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “Firm cited after worker killed during first day on job in Monee”, Jordan Owen, Oct. 27, 2016
