If you’re a Pennsylvania worker who often must use or be around heavy machinery, you no doubt understand that there’s a risk for injury on the job. You can also expect, however, that your employer has fulfilled the obligation to provide you with proper training and equipment to keep you and your coworkers as safe as possible, in accordance with federal and state regulations. If a workplace accident occurs, it often spurs a federal investigation.
This is especially true if a fatality occurs in the workplace. Sadly, that is exactly what happened several weeks ago at a loading dock in Salisbury. A 39-year-old man was working at a company that provides third-party logistics solutions on a domestic, as well as international, scale. Tragedy struck during his shift.
The worker became entrapped at a loading dock
While investigators haven’t yet released the exact details of the incident, it is known that, at some point, the worker became pinned between a loading dock wall and a trailer. It is not known how much time elapsed before the blunt force trauma caused the worker to suffer traumatic asphyxiation. This type of injury occurs when heavy pressure crushes the thoracic region of the body, thus causing suffocation.
OSHA is investigating the case
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) often investigates cases where a workplace accident has resulted in a fatality. However, OSHA often investigates non-fatal workplace incidents, too. If you have survived an injury that you suffered while carrying out the normal duties of your job, you will, at some point, likely file a workers’ compensation claim.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident, the workers’ comp program may be of benefit to you, as well. Navigating the system can be quite stressful, particularly in the aftermath of a family tragedy. It is helpful to reach out for additional support from someone who understands the legal aspects of such issues.
Workers’ compensation has helped many families in need
When a serious injury or fatality occurs, financial distress is often not far behind. Benefits can help those in need to cover medical bills, funeral expenses or other debt that has resulted because of a Pennsylvania workplace accident. If you have lost a loved one who was the primary breadwinner in your household, the implications of a sudden loss of income may be dire. Learning more about benefits that might be available to you and your family may be one way to initiate financial recovery during a difficult time.