Tag Archives: industrial accidents

Forty-three-year-old man killed in industrial accident

Johnson County, Kansas residents are aware that certain professions involve working in a setting where there is always some element of risk. These positions are, in many cases, well compensated, given the additional risk. This does not take away from the fact that the normal discharge of a person’s duty at such jobs could result in serious injury, and even death. There are, however, laws in place guaranteeing that the workplace is as safe as possible; if not, the negligent employer might be liable for prosecution. Such laws come under the purview of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA.

In a recent accident at an oil well, a 43-year-old man from a nearby state was struck by a piece of equipment and killed. The oil and gas company operating the well later identified the man as a worker for a sub-contractor, adding in a statement that the incident was the first of its kind at their site and that the safety of all employees, whether directly employed or otherwise, was a “top priority.” One investigating official said it was “an unforeseen accident.” The cause of the accident is as yet undetermined.

Although the victim’s family may not find much succor in receiving compensation, OSHA laws mandate that employers be suitably insured and thereby pay death benefits, including lost wages, as applicable, following such industrial accidents.

In Kansas, for instance, if employers pay out over $20,000 annually as wages, carrying workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory. The state also appoints an ombudsman to mediate between the victim or his family, the employer and the insurance provider. Most employers are eager to avoid any embarrassment in terms of treating employees fairly and are quick to process payment of such benefits. If the claim becomes disputed in court, the judge could award damages as well, an eventuality employers like to avoid. The victim’s family can seek advice and legal representation in such cases.

Source: WTOV9.com, “Accident at well site claims life of Texas man“, April 7, 2014

Industrial accident causes worker fatal injuries

Many Kansas residents likely received some form of safety training when they start working. Most jobs require employees to partake in such training. Yet even with safety training and an understanding of the dangers in a work environment, no one expects an accident to occur. When a worker is injured or killed in an accident, victims and their families may be left wondering what options are available to them.

In what must have been and unexpected and tragic occurrence, a worker was killed in an industrial accident recently. He was a contract worker doing a job at a castings plant that was under construction. While he was installing heating and air conditioning in the castings plant, a pipe exploded and fatally injured the man. An investigation into the castings plant revealed that the company had been cited for two prior violations, both of which were considered severe. Authorities are continuing to investigate the accident.

Accidents of this nature — that is, industrial accidents — are usually thoroughly investigated. Investigators hope to uncover who was at fault in the accident. Workers are protected by certain rights and can use investigation results to help determine what legal action may be appropriate. In many cases, a workers’ compensation may be worth pursuing in order to protect an injury victim and a family from the medical expenses, lost wages and other financial shocks that can come in the wake of an accident.

Each situation is unique and requires a thorough analysis that puts the evidence together to help determine what a victim may be entitled to. With diligence and a thorough understanding of the legalities involved, victims can often pursue full and fair compensation.

Source: WSOCTV, “Officials: Man dies after pipe explodes at plant,” Jan. 31, 2014