Bizarre workplace accidents can lead to deaths in Maryland

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration dictates strict regulations to which business owners must comply in order to provide for a safe working environment. Even with the strictest of regulations and the most diligent of employers and workers, workplace accidents can still happen. When an employee is injured while working on the job, the Maryland workers’ compensation program is available to help.

Around 4:30 a.m., construction workers in another state noticed that a street-sweeping vehicle remained idling without a driver for some time. Upon closer inspection, the men found a worker partially stuck by the hydraulic arm of the hopper. They called 911 and remained with the man, who they reported as being unresponsive.

Authorities arrived on the scene and pronounced the 47-year-old male worker deceased. After some investigation, they believe he became trapped while attempting to fix a mechanical error on the street sweeper he was operating. OSHA arrived on the scene shortly after first responders and is continuing its investigation.

Workplace accidents can be simple mishaps that require a Band-Aid or a fatal injury that can devastate a family and leave a company with many questions. Should a Maryland resident be injured while on the job, the workers’ compensation program is available to provide a form of financial help. Should the victim be fatally injured, the workers’ compensation program provides survivor benefits to spouses and dependent minor children. With an aid of an attorney, employees who have suffered a workplace accident or surviving family members can file a claim for all applicable benefits. The lawyer can also help assess whether third party claims in civil court may also be appropriate.

Source: 11alive.com, “OSHA investigating after driver pinned, killed by street sweeper”, Catherine Park & Crash Clark The, Sept. 7, 2017