One of the primary hazards in the manufacturing and warehousing industries is the presence of forklifts. These mechanized lift trucks pose a danger to those who operate them and any other workers in the vicinity. A significant number of workers’ compensation claims nationwide, including Ohio, follow forklift-related injuries, some of which prove to be fatal.
A 57-year-old employee of Fuyao Glass America Inc. recently lost his life in a tragic accident at the plant of the glass manufacturer. According to police records, a 911 call came in just after 5 a.m. on a Tuesday, reporting an emergency. Reportedly, the caller came upon a co-worker who was trapped by a pallet-load of glass weighing over 2,000 pounds.
Emergency workers rushed to the scene, but they were too late to save the man’s life. Police say that footage from surveillance cameras shows the deceased forklift operator checking on a load of glass on the machine’s hoist that appeared to have shifted. While positioned between the lift truck and the pallet, he apparently cut one of the straps holding it. This caused the massive load to fall and wedge the worker against the forklift. Reportedly, he died of blunt force head trauma.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s inspectors will spend some months to determine whether safety violations played a role in this tragedy. However, surviving family members can proceed with a pursuit of financial relief. They can file a death benefits claim with the Ohio workers’ compensation program. An attorney who is experienced in this field can guide them through the complicated process that might help with covering the costs of a funeral and burial. Also, a wage-replacement package might be awarded as a part of the benefits.
Source: daytondailynews.com, “Police: Fuyao worker killed after cutting strap holding in glass“, Nick Blizzard, March 21, 2018