Workers in New York warehouses face various safety hazards every day. Warehouse employees file workers’ compensation claims every year, ranging from musculoskeletal injuries to forklift accidents. The dangers posed by forklifts do not always receive the necessary attention. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration prescribes strict regulations related to forklift safety, one of which is adequate training and allowing only certified forklift drivers to operate the dangerous machines.
A fatal workplace accident is currently under investigation by safety authorities. Authorities say a 43-year-old employee lost his life in a forklift accident on a recent Thursday. A police report indicates that the incident occurred in the early morning hours at the warehouse of a food distributor.
Reportedly, the man’s head was caught between a metal shelf and the vehicle while he was operating the forklift. The crushing head injuries he suffered proved fatal. The circumstances that led to the accident are yet to be determined. Safety authorities will also determine whether safety violations played a role in this tragedy.
New York families who lose loved ones in work-related accidents need not wait for the outcome of investigations before seeking financial relief. They are entitled to proceed with filing workers’ compensation claims for survivors’ benefits immediately. While this is naturally a challenging time, having to deal with the high costs of end-of-life arrangements and lost income can become overwhelming. For this reason, surviving family members usually seek the support and guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to navigate the claims process for them.
