Man Killed After Being Trapped by Pallet in Workplace Accident

Accidents can happen anywhere, including the workplace. Industrial accidents can be especially deadly.

Sadly, this was recently the case in South Carolina. A 57-year-old died in an industrial accident at a warehouse facility in the Upstate.

The incident happened on the afternoon of June 1. First responders arrived at the workplace and found that the victim had died from his injuries.

The man was helping a colleague unload a truck. The colleague was operating a forklift when the materials on the forklift began to fall. The man ended up pinned underneath a pallet.

The man’s cause of death was determined to be traumatic asphyxiation, according to the coroner. The manner of death was accidental.

The man served as a volunteer firefighter and previously served in the military. He was described by his family as a loving husband and father of five.

The accident scene is being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and coroner’s office.

Common Industrial Accidents

Industrial accidents are workplace incidents that occur in factories, warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing plants, refineries, and other industrial settings. Many involve heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or dangerous working conditions.

Here are some of the most common industrial accidents:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents. Workers can be injured by:
  • Wet floors.
  • Uneven surfaces.
  • Cluttered walkways.
  • Loose cables.
  • Falling from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms.

Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and deaths, especially in construction and manufacturing.

• Machinery accidents. Heavy equipment and industrial machines can cause:
  • Crush injuries.
  • Amputations.
  • Entanglement injuries.
  • Fractures.
  • Traumatic brain injuries.

Common causes include missing machine guards, improper lockout/tagout procedures, defective equipment, and inadequate training.

• Forklift and vehicle accidents. Industrial workplaces often involve:
  • Forklifts.
  • Pallet jacks.
  • Cranes.
  • Trucks and other industrial vehicles.

Accidents may include rollovers, struck-by incidents, pedestrian collisions, and falling loads.

• Falling object injuries. Tools, building materials, cargo, or equipment can fall from shelves, cranes, scaffolding, or elevated work areas. These accidents frequently cause head injuries, spinal injuries, and fatal crush injuries.
• Chemical exposure accidents. Workers may be exposed to:
  • Toxic chemicals.
  • Corrosive substances.
  • Industrial solvents.
  • Hazardous dust.

Exposure can lead to burns, respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, poisoning, or long-term occupational diseases.

• Fires and explosions. Industrial fires and explosions can occur due to:
  • Gas leaks.
  • Combustible dust.
  • Electrical failures.
  • Chemical reactions.
  • Improper storage of flammable materials.
• Electrical accidents. Workers may suffer electric shocks, electrocution, arc flash burns, or secondary fall injuries. High-voltage equipment and exposed wiring are common hazards in industrial settings.

Contact Us Today

Workplace accidents are often devastating, especially when they could have been prevented.

Unfortunately, industrial accidents are common. Vehicles and machinery can cause serious or fatal injuries to workers. If you have been affected, contact a Columbia workplace accident lawyer from Simmons Law Firm right away. We can help you file a claim for compensation. Fill out the online form or call (803) 779-4600 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

people.com/dad-of-5-dies-after-being-struck-by-falling-pallet-at-workplace-11990545