A 58-year-old California man died last year after a fatal tragic on-the-job accident. According to a review of statistics, he is one of many older workers who are victims of fatal workplace accidents every year. The review indicated that all workplace fatal accidents have decreased except in the group of workers over the age of 55.
The man was operating a forklift on a ramp in the warehouse that employed him when his accident occurred. Reportedly, a bag of mortar fell near him and he reacted backing up the forklift. Unfortunately, when he backed up, he drove off the ramp and fell to his death. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health fined the warehouse and stated that more safety training and precautions could have prevented the man’s death.
In another state, a 56-year-old veteran employee of a warehouse took a wrong step, and it resulted in his death. His misstep resulted in a 25 foot fall, and he was not wearing a safety harness. The company that owned his warehouse was fined as well for a lack of safety training for employees.
Data indicates that the workforce over the age of 55 is growing, which may result in the increased workplace accidents in their age bracket. Experts also believe that vision, hearing, balance issues, decreased response time and ailments such as arthritis may also factor into accidents. Fortunately for any employee who has been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance benefits typically apply. It is a complex insurance system and may be confusing. California attorneys can help victims file claims and ensure that adequate and fair treatment is received for injuries.
Source: postandcourier.com, “Workplace accident death rate higher for older workers“, Maria Ines Zamudio and Michelle Minkoff, August 6, 2017