When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration arrives at a workplace, it means there was an accident, they’re conducting a regular site inspection or someone contacted the agency with concerns about procedures at the workplace. Businesses that do not enforce proper safety procedures can end up with workplace injuries. Cabell County readers may have heard about an accident that resulted in the death of three men.
On Feb. 1, two cellphone towers collapsed. The reason for the collapse was not immediately known. Two communication workers were killed when the first tower collapsed, while two others were injured.
Emergency workers arrived on the scene of the accident. While emergency crews were rendering aid, the second tower collapsed and killed an emergency worker. Another emergency worker was injured when the second tower collapsed.
OSHA arrived on the scene and is conducting an investigation. According to the agency, it could be up to six months from now before they conclude their investigation. While they are on site, OSHA will inspect the accident site, check into the history of the company that employed the men and check their work history. Once they have concluded their investigation, OSHA will determine if the company that employed the men was responsible for the accident, make recommendations and levy any fines at that time.
For the workers who were injured and the families of those who were killed, the OSHA investigation might offer comfort or closure. But from a legal standpoint, knowing whether or not the company was responsible can help those who have been affected by accidents decide if seeking compensation is worth pursuing. For those who need additional advice, speaking with a legal professional can help cement the decision regarding seeking financial relief for lost wages, rehabilitation and other expenses and losses incurred due to an accident at the workplace.
Source: The Exponent Telegram, “Officials: Investigation into cell phone tower collapse could take six months” Jeremiah Shelor, Feb. 03, 2014
