Family may need death benefits after fatal workplace accident

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Accidents on Friday, April 24, 2015.

Acme Industries — a manufacturer of equipment for a wide array of industries — says that it will investigate exactly how a serious accident led to the death of one of its workers. The workplace accident occurred at an Illinois facility, prompting an OSHA investigation. At this time, it is unclear if typical safety protocols were violated by the company.

A power lathe — one of the machines utilized by Acme in its manufacturing process — was involved in the accident. This type of machine is used to shape various materials using a spinning action and a cutting tool. The 50-year-old worker operating the machine somehow became trapped inside the power lathe.

Emergency workers and police were notified of the accident, but, by the time the emergency responders arrived, it was already too late. At this time, no one is exactly certain how the worker became trapped, but Acme has committed to cooperating with OSHA’s investigation. Acme’s CEO also released a statement expressing the company’s condolences for the victim’s family.

The family of the man killed in the workplace accident is no doubt deeply saddened by the loss of its loved one. However, it is possible that the family members may not be aware that they are likely eligible to receive certain workers’ compensation benefits. Death benefits are an integral part of the workers’ compensation system in Illinois and include temporary compensation to families who have suffered the tragic loss of loved ones who played crucial roles in providing financial support to their families.

Source: Chicago Tribune, “Worker dies after becoming trapped in machine at Elk Grove Village plant“, Sarah Freishtat, April 15, 2015