A tragic accident has claimed the life of a construction machinery repairman in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. According to reports of the workplace accident, a company that owns and provides machinery to others had a backhoe that was not functioning properly. The owners requested the services of the repairman, who arrived at the company’s property early last Friday to begin work on the piece of heavy machinery.
While the man was fixing the backhoe, a nearby witness reported that it began to roll, crushing the repairman underneath. While the backhoe was not on a jack during the repair operation, it is still unclear why it began to move. The witness quickly called 911, but emergency responders were unable to save his life. An autopsy was scheduled to take place.
It is believed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will initiate an inquiry into the death of the 51-year-old man. Local police are also conducting their own investigation into the accident. Criminal charges are not expected to issue against any party. The backhoe was not located at a construction site, and the worker was reportedly by himself when the accident occurred.
Losing a parent or spouse is a severe shock to the emotional system. It can also drastically affect a family’s finances. End of life costs are not cheap, and the loss of future income can signify tough times ahead. Where the person lost his or her life at work, however, workers’ compensation can provide financial relief to surviving family members through a death benefit.
Source: The Express-Times, “Man identified in fatal backhoe accident in Bethlehem – UPDATE,” Oct. 12, 2012