A spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry says an investigation was launched after the recent tragic death of a 34-year old Minneapolis man. Investigators of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will scrutinize the company’s compliance with safety and health standards along with the training records. They will also interview employees to determine the circumstances that led to this construction site accident.
Initial information provided about the incident is limited. A spokesperson for the general contracting company that employed the man only revealed that an earth-moving loader struck the worker, causing fatal injuries. Reportedly, the accident happened on Monday, Aug. 19 at a construction site in Minneapolis.
OSHA has clear guidelines and safety standards that employers in the construction industry must follow. Being struck by mobile construction equipment is a significant hazard on all work sites. Both the operators of the massive machines and the workers at ground level must receive adequate training on how to prevent workplace accidents. The safety agency notes that all workplace accidents are preventable by compliance with safety standards.
Understandably, losing a loved one in a construction site accident is devastating. Fortunately, the Minnesota workers’ compensation insurance program will provide financial assistance to the surviving family members of a deceased worker. In this case, the young mother of two might find the benefits claims process daunting, but help is available. An attorney with experience in this field can help to navigate a claim for death benefits that will help the surviving spouse cope with the unexpected costs of end-of-life arrangements and day-to-day living expenses.
