New York workplaces can be dangerous for workers if the proper precautions are not taken. In order to keep workers safe, the federal government oversees workplaces and workplace accident. It does this through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is responsible for enacting and enforcing various safety regulations to keep workers as safe as possible.
When employers refuse to follow OSHA regulations, workers can suffer. In a New York case, a 54-year-old sheet metal foreman was killed on the job. In this case, the man was working with a crew to move an industrial air exchanger into a new development. In order to move the large piece of equipment into place, six men were using motorized roller units. However, during this process the crew was not following operational instructions and the unit tipped. It fell on the man, killing him.
Following the fatal workplace accident, OSHA investigated. It found that the employer had made a serious safety violation by not keeping the place of employment free from recognized hazards. As a result of the citation, the company has been fined $7,000.
While this citation and fine may make the employer’s worksite safer in the future, it cannot help the family of the man who was killed in the previous accident. Families of fatal work accident victims, however, may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can never replace their loved one, but they can help to provide the family some financial security in the person’s absence. Families should explore their legal rights to determine if they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits following a dangerous workplace accident.
Source: Saratogian, “OSHA issues fine in construction death,” Lauren Mineau, Oct. 22, 2014