On March 12, yet another Missouri family received the shocking news of the death of a loved one in a work accident. Despite the strict safety regulations that are prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, accidents involving falls continue to take the lives of workers. Too many employers neglect to provide proper training to workers who are involved in scaffolding and mechanical lifting equipment operations. Furthermore, severe injuries — or worse — can be caused when mechanical equipment is not properly maintained.
Compliance with these basic safety regulations could probably have prevented the death of the 23-year-old worker. OSHA has completed its investigation and revealed that this worker and his co-workers were exposed to several safety violations. The fatal fall reportedly occurred when the scissor lift on which the worker was standing was maneuvered across uneven terrain, causing it to topple and collapse.
OSHA found that the scissor lift had not been maintained on a regular basis, and none of the workers had received training in the correct procedures to set-up and disassemble this type of scaffold. Moreover, were they knowledgeable about its operation and the inspection procedures prior to using it. OSHA reports that the machine’s controls were inoperable.
Although the company was cited for its disregard of worker’s safety that caused the fatal injuries, the Missouri family of the deceased worker will have to find a way to move forward without their loved one. Fortunately, they will be entitled to pursue financial relief by claiming death benefits that are part of workers’ compensation coverage. In addition to compensation for end-of-life expenses, these benefits typically provide monetary relief to assist covered dependents in coping with day-to-day expenses and monthly obligations for some time.
Source: kshb.com, “OSHA fines Myron’s Precise Paint Systems $21,000 after painter’s death in March”, July 7, 2015