A Pennsylvania construction company has been fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for an accident that claimed the life of one worker. Susquehanna Supply Company Inc., a bridge construction company, was fined by OSHA for violations that are considered to be willful and which contributed to a trench collapse. The deceased was working in the trench at the time that it collapsed, causing the fatality. The family of this individual is likely eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits.
The fine levied against the company amounted to $140,000 for a lack of cave-in protection and other safety violations. The worker was shoveling dirt in the trench at a location that could not be reached by an elevator. According to OSHA, the company committed egregious errors by failing to enforce “common-sense safety practices.”
No matter the circumstances of a work accident, the family of the deceased has every right to investigate their legal options. When a worker dies on the job or as a result of work-related illness or injury, certain compensation may be sought. Those left behind may have a rightful claim to benefits that may include compensation for lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses.
The sudden death of a Pennsylvania worker often leaves family members struggling under an unmanageable financial burden. While this is discouraging, especially in a time of grief, it does not have to be faced alone. With the help of an experienced lawyer, a family can file a workers’ compensation claim, navigate the claims process and appeal a denied claim, if necessary.
Source: constructiondive.com, “OSHA fines PA contractor $140K after trench collapse death“, Kim Slowey, Jan. 5, 2016