The construction industry is a vital part of modern life, as it provides people with any kind of structure imaginable and employs a significant number of people. As necessary as this industry may be, it is not fully devoid of risk, with numerous workers suffering serious injuries and even death each year. One expert says that falls are the number one cause of death for workers in the construction industry. This is why workers’ compensation can be so important for the families of Alaska workers, as it can make up for lost income after a workplace accident. One out-of-state family may be experiencing this right now, after a construction worker died in a fall at the site of a new high school.
Official reports say that the fatal fall happened on a recent weekday morning. Workers for a roofing company were working on a new high school when one employee allegedly fell. Police and first responders were unable to help the man, who was pronounced dead at the worksite.
No public report has yet been issued about exactly how the fall happened, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating. Once they have finished looking into the incident, representatives will file a report that could recommend significant fines for the roofing company. OSHA will work to determine whether the company was negligent in any way that may have caused the accident, either directly or indirectly. The local prosecutor also has not ruled out the possibility of pressing criminal charges in connection with the accident.
Even if OSHA doesn’t find that the roofing company acted negligently, the family of the worker who died can still file for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help a grieving family through a time of crisis, especially if they counted on the income of their loved one. Workers here in Alaska in all industries who are unsure of how to claim these benefits may want to consult an experienced attorney.
