The media regularly reports on construction and industrial accidents. Oklahoma residents may recognize that equally dangerous conditions exist in other types of work, and a workplace injury is not uncommon. Employers of all workers, regardless of the field in which they operate, are responsible for providing safe working environments and proper safety training. In addition, workers should be provided with the necessary safety gear, and any mechanical equipment should be safe to operate.
By following the strict safety regulations prescribed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), company owners may avoid incidents of workplace injury. A recent tragic workplace accident took the life of an Oklahoma man who had attempted to help a colleague who was operating a mower in Bartlesville. A report from the county sheriff’s office stated that the deck of the mower snagged the guy wire, which is a cable under tension that is designed to provide stability to free-standing structures such as utility poles.
The worker remained on the mower, and therefore escaped injury. However, a coworker rushed to his aid, and in his attempt to untangle the guy wire, he was electrocuted. It was reported that the strength of the electric current that went through the man’s body was 7,600 volts. The family of the deceased worker is likely facing a trying time while having to cope with end-of-life expenses during their time of mourning.
Families in Oklahoma that have lost a loved one after suffering a workplace injury may find comfort in knowing that they may be eligible to claim benefits from the workers’ compensation insurance fund. While the financial aid could never erase the tragic accident, it may ease financial difficulties that the family may be facing. The benefits normally cover funeral and burial costs, along with a financial package for the surviving spouse.
Source: newson6.com, “Man Electrocuted In Mowing Accident In Bartlesville“, , July 25, 2014