There are many people in Illinois and across the country who report to work every day. These people fulfill their job responsibilities to the best of their ability and return home to their families. Unfortunately, one man will never return to his family after a fatal workplace accident that resulted in OSHA proposing a fine against the victim’s employer.
The accident happened in May 2014. A 73-year-old man reportedly died after he fell and struck his head. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted an investigation into the man’s death and has since proposed an $84,000 fine against the company.
OSHA claims that the company failed to provide guardrails and fall protection equipment, as well as training to use the equipment, for employees. Additionally, the organization states that rails are needed on stairwells. OSHA claims the company had been cited for at least one of the violations previously. The company has 15 days to respond to the citations, but a company spokesperson has already announced its intention to contest them.
While OSHA and the company work to resolve the apparent health and safety violations that may have contributed to the fatal workplace accident, the man’s family is likely still grieving his death. In addition to the emotional aspect of such a loss, they are also becoming fully aware of the financial impact created by funeral expenses and the loss of income. In Illinois and other states, employees are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage in case of such an event. In order to ensure they are adequately compensated, many people have sought guidance as they navigate the path to compensation.
Source: Lincoln Journal Star, “OSHA cites co-op in death of 73-year-old man”, , Sept. 2, 2014
