Personal Injury Law Blog
OSHA probes Chicago laundry worker’s death in workplace accident
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating Eco Direct Laundry and Cleaners after one of its workers was killed in a machinery-related accident. The business is based in Niles, Illinois.
Police said Pascual Gonzalez-Hernandez, 42, died after getting trapped between a dryer and a laundry conveyer system. Surveillance video showed he was working alone and trying to remove a towel that was dangling from the dryer in front of the conveyer belt.
Emergency responders found Gonzalez-Hernandez dead at the scene in what appeared to be a workplace accident. He was initially discovered unresponsive in the main dryer area by another employee who noticed the dryer and a washing machine were not functioning. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Gonzalez-Hernandez died of head injuries sustained in the accident.
OSHA has six months to complete their investigation into Eco Direct Laundry and Cleaners. The agency may issue penalties or citations if the business is found to have violated workplace safety regulations.
Employers have a duty to comply with all safety rules and ensure workplaces are free from hazards. Individuals who are hurt in a work accident are entitled to pursue workers’ compensation to cover their medical bills, lost earnings and other expenses. Contact the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to learn more.
