Officials investigate fatal workplace accident

When working on a construction site, there are many safety precautions that must be taken. However, even the safest of employees in Massachusetts can become the victim of an accident that is impossible to anticipate. For example, one out-of-state worker was recently killed in a workplace accident that officials are still investigating.

According to reports, the victim was using a piece of heavy machinery — a type of crane called a knuckle boom — in late April. The crane had apparently stopped working. While its operator was trying to determine the cause of the malfunction, the arm reportedly slammed into the man. Eyewitnesses say the accident caused severe injuries to the man’s head.

Unfortunately, the man died at the scene of the accident. Officials, likely including investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are still working to determine the cause of the accident. The victim’s employee, Flintlock Construction LLC, has reportedly been cited for multiple safety violations in the past.

The loss of a family member is always a tragic event with which to cope. Many times, loved ones are left trying to pick up the pieces of their lives as they deal with both their grief and the financial consequences of their loss. Because many Massachusetts employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for employees, many people who are the victims of a workplace accident can receive financial help with expenses stemming from an accident. Although these benefits typically extend to dependent family members in the event of a fatality, many people have found that seeking the help of a person with experience regarding such claims can help ensure they receive proper compensation.

Source: pix11.com, “Tragic East Side construction accident kills worker, prompts probe of contractor with history of violations“, James Ford, April 24, 2015