Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace accidents: 2 dead following grain elevator tragedy

On behalf of Godwin and Rubin posted in Workplace Accidents on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

A grain elevator is a facility used to store grain in various locations in California and in other states around the country. Large amounts of grain are often moved from one level to the other in the elevator. Workers in these facilities do a variety of jobs, such as loading the elevator or testing the grain. In spite of strict safety guidelines for the industry, workplace accidents still occur. Unfortunately, two people died after being trapped in a grain elevator at a facility in another state.

Two workers at a worldwide commodity management company were trapped in a grain bin. A local fire department chief said that the victims were killed after being trapped in 20 to 25 feet of grain in the bin. Initial rescue attempts included vacuum trucks used to remove liquids, slurries or sand and water mixtures. Equipment was also used to drill into the elevator to locate the workers.

An emergency crew of 25 to 30 people assisted in the operation, including a search and rescue team. Members of local fire departments were harnessed into the grain bin in attempts to locate the employees. The victims have been identified and their families have been notified. An investigation of the incident is underway by the company and additional authorities.

When tragic deaths occur as a result of workplace accidents, surviving family members have the right to pursue certain benefits. A California workers’ compensation attorney can help families make sure they receive the benefits afforded to them. In addition, an experienced attorney can assist the family if they choose to pursue additional litigation against the company or other third parties.

Source: kwch.com, “Family, friends identify men killed in south Wichita grain elevator accident,” Jan. 2, 2018