Having an employee lose his or her life is something that any employer would want to avoid if at all possible. However, many times life does not turn out as one plan, and a fatal workplace accident may occur in California. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened recently in an industrial work site accident which left one man dead. Now, the employer is being investigated by work safety authorities, which could result in a need for employer defense.
The incident happened in late May when a 22-year-old worker somehow ended up being pinned underneath a piece of heavy machinery. The man was working at a work site being operated by Cast Corp. at the time of the fatal incident. The worker finally died shortly afterward one morning at a local hospital in early June.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has sent investigators to investigate the accident which killed the worker who was reportedly popular among his fellow workers and his community. As of the latest reports, the investigation by OSHA has not turned up any safety violations. However, further information may be released by authorities as the investigation continues.
On the other hand, the employer may want to pay close attention to what investigators conclude in regard to the incident. A finding of safety violations in a workplace accident can result in a citation against an employer in California. Therefore, the employer will want to consider creating a strong employer defense strategy if legal action is indeed required in order to protect company interests.
Source: grandforksherald.com, “Minnesota man dies from injuries suffered in industrial accident”, June 5, 2015
310-216-7778
