Man killed in serious workplace accident

Many people in Massachusetts report to jobs each day that could result in injuries. Some of these potential hazards are obvious, such as those faced by police officers and firefighters. However, there is likely some degree of risk in all jobs, which has resulted in states such as Massachusetts requiring employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Such coverage provides financial protection for workers in the event of a workplace accident. Unfortunately, this compensation will likely be needed after one out-of-state accident resulted in a fatality.

A 54-year-old man was reportedly working on a concrete crusher one morning in January. According to reports, the machine was on at a slow speed while the man worked to grease its gears. It is believed that the man slipped on a conveyor belt, causing him to become trapped against the drive shaft. His clothes then became entangled in the machinery.

A co-worker shut off the machine immediately after the accident. Unfortunately, the man died about an hour later at the hospital. An accident such as this typically triggers an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in order to determine whether safety or health standards were violated leading up to the accident.

While the company could face fines based on the outcome of the investigation into the workplace accident, the family of the deceased man will likely have to deal with the financial ramifications of the man’s death. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits typically extend to dependent family members and can cover funeral expenses and lost wages. An experienced attorney can help Massachusetts families in a similar situation negotiate for the compensation that may rightfully be theirs.

Source: app.com, “Lakewood man killed by concrete crusher“, Nicquel Terry and Russ Zimmer, Jan. 11, 2015