Tennessee workers’ compensation: Woman dies in work accident

A 34-year-old woman has died while on the job following an accident. The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon, but the exact details of what happened have not been reported. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration has stepped in and are conducting an investigation into the matter. The family of the deceased woman may be entitled to file suit under our workers’ compensation laws.

The company has reportedly been issued citations on at least two different occasions in the last ten years in regard to safety concerns. Back in 2005, the company received two citations for not furnishing proper first aid training. The company has recently issued a statement claiming that it will implement programs for employees to assure their safety while on the job. Some of the proposed monthly programs are peer safety coaching and safety training.

The woman leaves behind a husband and children. An online memorial page was posted on her behalf and she is remembered as someone with a kind heart and had a positive impact on others. She was also an avid church goer and liked to play softball.

The finding of previous violations by the Tennessee Safety and Health Administration will likely increase the safety for other workers that remain at the site. In addition, the family of the worker who died may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. Certainly, the family will need as much support as possible going forward, and being knowledgeable about OSHA violations found against the employer will likely help their case.

Source: timesfreepress.com, State officials investigating death at Chattanooga’s Wrigley Manufacturing plant, Shelly Bradbury, Oct. 26, 2013