Fatal Wood Chipper Accident takes Life of Virginia Worker, Dangers of Wood Chippers to Decatur Workers Explained
It should be something only out of a Hollywood horror movie, but, unfortunately, it occurred at a Virginia worksite: a worker was pulled head-first into a wood chipper, and was tragically killed. According to local reports, the worker, who has not yet been identified as his family is still being notified, was trimming trees at a worksite in southwest Virginia on November 28, when he was pulled into a wood chipper that the work team was operating, and met a horrific end. Workers indicate that no one on the team witnessed exactly what caused the worker to launch headfirst into the wood chipper, and investigations into the workplace accident are still pending. “It’s an unfortunate accident and I hate that it happened,” Saltville Police Chief Erik Puckett said of the terrifying accident. The accident serves as an important reminder to Decatur workers who work with trees and wood chippers of the extreme dangers of such heavy machines on the job.
Wood Chipper Accident and Fatality Statistics Paint a Horrifying Picture for Workers who Work with Wood Chippers on the Job
According to the Tree Care Industry Magazine, wood chippers contribute to 1,200 to 1,300 emergency department visits each year in the United States. Furthermore, of the 1,200 to 1,300 woodchipper-related accidents, approximately 200 can be attributed to tree workers alone. Although many woodchipper-related accidents occur when homeowners use a wood chipper on their own, it is clear that too many workers are injured by wood chippers every year on the job. Notably, Tree Care Industry Magazine reports that “caught in” or “compressed by” accidents where “part of the operator’s body is pulled into the chipper” often happen when the worker is working alone with the woodchipper to drag and feed it, while the other tree worker cuts the fallen tree or brush. Of course, in addition to fatal wood chipper accidents, there are a number of nonfatal wood chipper accidents that can result in severe or serious injuries to workers.
Help for Injured Workers in Decatur
No matter how careful and diligent workers may be, horrific workplace accidents happen all too frequently. If you were injured in a workplace accident in Decatur, it is important to learn about your rights and options to Georgia workers’ compensation benefits, which can help you financially while you recover from your workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits in Decatur include important financial support, such as wage replacement compensation, medical expense reimbursement, and other important benefits to get you back on your feet. In order to determine whether you are entitled to Georgia workers’ compensation benefits for your Decatur workplace injury, it is best to speak with an experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and options as soon as possible.
The experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers at the O’Connell Law Firm offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your workplace accident and to see if they can help get you Georgia workers’ compensation benefits due. Contact the O’Connell Law Firm today and speak to an experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer about your rights and options for free.
Source:
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