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OSHA levies fines after father, son killed at sewage lift station

There are some occupations that carry more risk and thus require more safety measures and training than others. Though most employers in Missouri take proactive measures to protect the well-being of workers, not every company is as diligent. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for overseeing workplace safety and issues fines to companies across the country that violate safety protocols.

OSHA originally fined a machine and welding shop $43,000 after a tragic accident left two employees dead. The accident occurred at a sewage pumping station in another state. According to the report, two men — a 45-year-old man and his 20-year-old son — were working at a lift station. Though the details were not reported, the younger man apparently became overcome with toxic fumes and lost consciousness.

His father, in attempting to rescue his son from his position, somehow fell and was killed. Both men died as a result of this tragic workplace accident. The OSHA fines were later reduced to just under $28,000, though the agency cited the Mississippi company for several serious violations.

The OSHA citations included lack of proper training and procedures, as well as a lack of adequate equipment. The surviving family members are likely devastated — both emotionally and financially — after these tragic deaths. To help families with the financial aspect of these types of tragedies, workers’ compensation survivors’ benefits are typically available when someone is killed on the job. In Missouri, a workers’ comp attorney can assist with the claims process in pursuit of all applicable benefits.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, “OSHA fines company after 2 employees die at sewer station”, Feb. 9, 2018