Workers in many industries put their lives on the line with every shift they work. They have one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. Minnesota workers who risk their lives on TV towers are understandably concerned every time they read about another tower worker falling to his or her death. One such a tragedy claimed the life of a worker in another state on a recent Wednesday.
According to authorities, a 50-year-old man was working 1,000 feet up on a TV tower when he fell to his death. At this time, the circumstances that led to the fall remain unknown. However, county deputies say they have launched an investigation to document exactly what occurred.
An industry publication reported that this was the fourth fatal tower worker accident so far this year. A 2012 investigation found that the death rate among tower workers was ten times more than for construction workers. The report about the recent accident does mention whether the worker wore any fall protection equipment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators will no doubt work to determine the cause of this preventable death, and also the level of compliance by the employer with safety standards. Regardless of the outcome of this investigation, the deceased worker’s surviving family members can pursue benefits claims through the state-regulated workers’ compensation insurance program. Any Minnesota family who loses a loved one due to fatal workplace injuries can retain the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assist with the navigation of death benefits claims.
