Chicago readers may assume that work-related accidents take place mostly on construction sites. This may be true; however, other types of workplaces are not exempted from workplace accidents. Workplace accidents may come from trench collapse, dangerous tools or falls from heights. Other dangerous conditions and circumstances may also occur that may comparatively injure an employee.
In fact, the recent death of a truck driver may interest Illinois residents. This incident is, unfortunately, only one of several Chicago work-related deaths that may have already occurred this year. According to the report, a 57-year-old man was killed in a workplace accident.
The incident occurred when the man was pinned between his truck door and a stationary object at a loading area. The investigation stated that he was killed due to numerous injuries sustained in the accident.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident. They may be able to observe if there were any safety violations that contributed to the worker’s death. OSHA has up to half a year to finish the investigation.
When a worker is injured on the job, OSHA may investigate. OSHA has set rules and obligations for employers to maintain workplace safety. Employers and business owners should abide by these policies to prevent work-related accidents and deaths. Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to various consequences. Also, employers could be liable for workplace accidents if their negligence contributed to the incident.
In such cases, workplace accident victims may have the right to receive compensation. The compensation may differ in every state and county, but it can help to alleviate the victim’s economic and emotional losses related to the incident. If the incident claims the worker’s life, compensation may support the funeral expenses and loss of financial support and companionship. The immediate family may also have the right to recover further damages through a wrongful death claim.
Source: Landlinemag.com, “OSHA investigates truck driver’s death at loading dock,” Clarissa Kell-Holland, Jan. 9, 2013