Fatalities take place every year in Ohio’s workplaces, even if you don’t hear about them in local news. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration keeps track of each individual incident and the description of the event that led to a worker’s death.
Tracking the cause of injuries and deaths can help OSHA reduce and eliminate risks to workers in the future. For instance, in one case in Ohio, a worker was struck and killed by a tractor trailer. In another, a worker was killed when he fell four floors to the ground.
In any kind of accident, the cause is vital for explaining the incident and helping the family seek compensation. On top of that, the OSHA can work with the company to correct the problems and safety violations that led to the accident. For instance, if a worker falls because he isn’t using the proper safety gear, it’s important to reeducate the business on the correct use of safety equipment and the standards that the equipment must meet.
If someone is hit by a vehicle on a workplace lot or while working for their company, that’s also important information. Not much can be done to protect a worker from a dangerous driver on the highways or roads, but on-site, employers can make sure that communication prevents accidents that result in people being run over, crushed or pinned.
When a worker dies on the job, an attorney can help get the family the compensation needed to cover funeral costs, financial losses due to lost wages and the loss of companionship. If you’re in a situation where you’ve lost a loved one, be sure to reach out and learn about the compensation you may receive from Workers’ Compensation.
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “FY15 Fatalities and Catastrophes To Date,” accessed Dec. 03, 2015