The California Division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires many safety codes and regulations to be in place at work sites for the protection of workers. OSHA is well aware that construction workers’ accidents can cause severe injuries and, in some instances, may be fatal when safety codes are not followed. A 52-year-old man is facing personal regrets and legal consequences for his involvement in a 2014 construction site accident.
In 2014 two construction workers were on a platform that was rigged up by a crane. It was later discovered that the crane and the rigging both had numerous code violations. As a result, the platform collapsed, sending both workers to their deaths. One worker was the 25-year-old son of the crane operator who was one of the construction site’s supervisors. The other victim was a 49-year-old male.
The supervisor and crane operator is now facing manslaughter charges in court. Investigations revealed enough code violations that the prosecutor felt there was sufficient evidence to warrant charges against the man. OSHA fined the construction company $106,110 for its numerous violations discovered through the investigation after the fatal accident.
Not all construction workers’ accidents necessitate legal action in a criminal court. However, they do qualify for workers’ compensation insurance benefits. Workers’ compensation can be a difficult system to guarantee maximum benefits are received without legal counsel. The grieving families may not be aware that even though their loved ones have died, that they may be entitled to some work-related benefits. An experienced California attorney can advise families of their eligibility for benefits and aide through the process of filing a claim.
Source: davisenterprise.com, “Manslaughter charges filed in Winters construction accident“, Lauren Keene, Dec. 23, 2016