Construction workers in Georgia are likely aware of the safety hazards of their chosen profession, and their families would naturally experience constant concern over the welfare of their loved ones. Although the owners of construction companies are responsible for the safety of their workers by adhering to the strict safety rules as prescribed by OSHA, workplace injuries regularly occur. A 30-year old construction worker recently lost his life at the site of a high school project where he was working in another state.
Deputies reacted on a workplace accident call at about noon on a recent Friday. The accident is being investigated by OSHA, and the only detail made available was that the worker had been trapped by a crane. When the deputies arrived on the scene, they noticed the bent crane and the victim on the ground nearby. He appeared to have suffered head injuries, and all attempts to revive him failed.
The worker was declared dead before he could be taken to a hospital. Employers who fail to ensure that heavy equipment is in proper working order may face heavy fines from OSHA. In addition, it is expected that the owners of construction companies will properly train their employees in safe operating procedures on a construction site. All workers on site should be provided with protective headgear.
The family of the worker who died after suffering workplace injuries will not only have to cope without his companionship, but also without his financial contribution to the household. In addition, the high cost of a funeral and burial may lead to financial difficulties. The workers’ compensation insurance fund in Georgia aims to provide financial aid to injured workers, along with the families of workers who have died in an on-the-job accident. Families who are unfamiliar with the procedures of claiming benefits from the fund may find that help is readily available. Benefits usually cover medical and/or end-of-life expenses, along with financial aid for the surviving family.
Source: channel3000.com, “Deadly accident reported at high school construction site”, , June 20, 2014