Steel Worker Killed in Beaver County
Have You Been Injured on the Job?
Workplace injuries occur on a daily basis and are often severe. For many, their injuries that occurred on the job prevent them from working for a period of time. Others are injured so severely they are never able to return to work.
If you’ve been injured on the job, especially if you work in a dangerous industry, it’s important to know your rights.
Steel Worker Killed in Beaver County
The explosion that recently occurred at Damascus Steel Casting Co., a Beaver County steel plant, injured two people. One victim was severely burned and was transported by helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian. The other, suspected to have been injured in a fall related to the explosion, was sent by ambulance to Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital.
Injuries are common for steel workers throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the surrounding area. And unfortunately, these injuries are often serious and caused by events like the explosion that occurred in Beaver County. Steel plants are hazardous to work environments and those who work in these industries face serious risks multiple times per day.
Compensation is Available for those Injured in the Steel Industry
Though it’s of minimal consolation, it is possible to take legal action and receive compensation if you are injured in a steel plant accident. Injuries that occur in the workplace can affect your ability to work and to live your life outside of work.
Workers injured in the workplace might be eligible for workers’ compensation, as well as other compensation. Workers’ compensation can help you pay for medical costs, as well as income lost due to your injuries. And if a third-party is to blame for your work injuries, you have a right to file a claim against the negligent party.
Line Worker Dies in Fall
Another recent area injury involves a Penn Power lineman working in Wayne Township, Pennsylvania. James George, 54, of New Castle, PA was killed when the bucket truck he was in tipped over and caused him to fall 30 feet. Pennsylvania State Police are also investigating the cause of the accident.
Dangers Faced by Line Workers
Power or electrical lineman, sometimes called line installers or line workers, are responsible for installing electrical power lines, as well as fiber optics and telecommunications cables. They face numerous hazards while on the job, including:
- Exposure to high-voltage electricity
- Working at great heights
- Challenging weather conditions
- Spending time in confined spaces
- Work zone safety
- Exposure to objects that can cut or burn them
In addition to the daily dangers line workers face, there are also instances in which these workers serve as first responders. They are called on to make repairs during dangerous storms and other poor conditions.
Though it often doesn’t receive the same attention as other obviously dangerous occupations, every year dozens of line workers are killed on the job and many more are injured. So much so an organization was created to memorialize lineman killed while working. Fallen Lineman reports that 44 line workers died because of on-the-job incidents in 2013, which is approximately how many die on an annual basis. Sadly, many of these deaths were preventable.
Know Your Rights
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation benefits do not provide for many of the costs associated with a workplace accident. If you are injured in a workplace event, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit that would not only provide compensation for medical bills, but also for pain and suffering.
If a non-employer was responsible for causing a workplace injury, you could be eligible to file a third-party claim separate from your workers’ compensation claim, provided you can show negligence or a violation of legal duty. This is common when machinery malfunctions in the workplace.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Heavens Law at 888.897.5377.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/11628-keeping-linemen-safe
