A Missouri drilling contractor has received citations stemming from a fatal workplace accident that occurred on June 24th. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined CBS Piling Solutions $15,000 for the negligence in the death of 42-year-old Michael Snider. Snider was working at a student housing construction site for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln when the accident occurred. The workplace accident happened when a crane dropped a piece of rebar approximately 80-foot in length striking Snider in the head. CBS was cited by OSHA for improperly rigging a load, inadequately training workers, and operating a crane in an area where non-essential workers are present. OSHA’s officials stated that this fatality was completely preventable and that workplace fatalities occur too often.
Although the occupation of a construction worker isn’t typically thought of as one of the most dangerous jobs, statistics prove otherwise. Thousands of workplace accidents occur at construction worksites, and a vast majority of these accidents are preventable. Construction workers must perform their jobs in dangerous environments surrounded by heavy equipment increasing the risk of an injury. In Missouri, companies that employ more than five workers, and nearly all construction companies, must purchase worker’s compensation insurance. The benefits provided by the insurance covers medical costs and replaces lost wages. However, the wages are not fully replaced; instead, they are replaced at a rate of 66.6% of the worker’s average weekly rate. To recover the compensation you deserve, it is imperative to consult a skilled St. Louis worker’s compensation attorney.
At Meyerkord & Kurth our attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience and have handled thousands of accident cases. Our attorneys believe that if you have been injured in a work-related accident, you should receive the full amount of your wages. We will work to recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your damages while fully communicating throughout the case. Contact us today for a free consultation.