Salt pile collapses, killing one Bucks County worker

On Behalf of | Jan 8, 2014 | Workplace Accidents

Many of Pennsylvania’s workers operate in environments that pose safety risks. Since employers are required to implement safety procedures and policies, many of these incidences are avoided. Yet, sometimes workplace safety is put on the backburner. Employees may be improperly trained, equipment inadequately checked and safety procedures inappropriately implemented. When this happens, serious injuries or death can occur.

One such tragedy took place recently in Bucks County, leaving one worker dead. The deceased, who was using an excavator at the time of the accident, became trapped when a 100-foot tall pile of salt collapsed on him. Others rushed to dig the trapped man out, but the salt kept collapsing back onto the excavator. The worker in the excavator passed before being pulled from the debris. Though the accident remains under investigation, such instances may be caused by unsafe working conditions.

Workplace accidents like this one can leave Pennsylvania workers in a tough position. Those who receive a workplace injury may incur medical expenses at a time when they are unable to work. This might make it impossible for the injured individual to obtain the care he or she needs while at the same time paying housing and other expenses.

Fortunately, workers’ compensation may provide some much needed relief. If it can be shown the accident took place while the employee was within his or her scope of employment and caused the victim’s injuries, then compensation may be obtained to help cover lost wages and medical expenses.

Unfortunately, sometimes these claims are denied. When this happens, the injured worker should consider challenging the denial. A Pennsylvania attorney with experience dealing with workers’ compensation cases may be invaluable by providing the best legal arguments possible in an attempt to recover the money an injured worker expects and deserves.

Source: CBS Philly, “Worker Crushed To Death By 100-Foot Rock Salt Pile In Bucks County,” Tim Jimenez, Jan. 2, 2014

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