Jasen Asay from the Salt Lake City Fire Department disclosed that a man was killed when a large bag weighing at least 2000 pounds containing shredded plastic materials accidentally fell on him. The manager of Mountain Peaks Vinyl found his employee trapped under the bag at about 7:30 in the morning.
An emergency crew attempted to cut open the bag to relieve pressure on the 28 year old, but it was already too late; the man died from sustained injury.
The identity of the man was undisclosed, but the incident was investigated by officials from Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
A number of workers have reported fatalities due to work related accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 4,609 workers were killed on the job in 2011 (3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers). That is almost 90 a week, or nearly 13 deaths every day. This is a slight increase from the 4,551 fatal work injuries in 2009, but the second lowest annual total since the fatal injury census was first conducted in 1992.
OSHA is trying to make a difference by working with local partners on how to establish and maintain workers’ safety. As a result of their concerted efforts, worker deaths in America have reduced from about 38 a day in 1970 to 13 a day in 2011.
Workers are at risk from falling objects when they are beneath cranes, scaffolds, etc., or where overhead work is being performed. There is a danger from flying objects when power tools are used. Activities like pushing, pulling, or prying may also cause objects to become airborne. Injuries can be minor abrasions, concussions, blindness, or death.
OSHA requires companies to ensure that workers wear hard hats and protective gears at all times while working. Materials should be stacked properly to prevent sliding, falling, or collapsing and protective measures such as toe boards and debris nets should be in place.
We at Christensen & Hymas sympathize with the family of the victim. If you have concerns regarding wrongful death or work related injuries, don’t hesitate to call us at (801)506-0800 for a free consultation.
Original post by David Wells and Shelby Dobson
Photo courtesy of Aaron H Warren.