Last Week workers were killed in fires, falls, shootings, machinery incidents, logging, vehicle incidents and assaults. On average, over 100 workers are killed every week in the United States due to traumatic injuries suffered at work. More than 20 times as many die from occupational diseases, many due to exposure to hazardous substances many years before they died. The few narratives below (gathered from almost 100 Google News searches) do not come close to capturing the full toll that work takes on the working people of this country. Nevertheless the accounts below gave you a taste of the preventable carnage occurring in workplaces across the country every day.
Construction worker killed in Arlington accident
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A construction worker was killed in an accident in Arlington on Friday morning, a spokesman with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said. The accident happened around 9 a.m. at the 5200 block of Airline Road near Will Harris Drive, the sheriff’s office said. The medical examiner is on the scene. Photos from the scene show what appears to be a crane at a construction site, surrounded by emergency vehicles.
Preston Center Security Guard Shot Dead, Search for Gunman Ongoing
Dallas, TX — A shooting killed a Preston Center security guard dead Friday and police are still searching for the gunman. A security guard has died after being shot Friday during a confrontation with a person suspected of breaking into vehicles at Preston Center, police say. Police say Adalberto Santiago, a 34-year-old security guard, was trying to stop a man from breaking into cars late Friday afternoon in a parking garage in Dallas’ Preston Center West.According to University Park Police, the shooting took place at or near a parking garage near the intersection of Westchester Drive and Luther Lane at about 3:30 p.m. Friday. Crime scene tape and investigation markers covered part of the upper deck of the Preston Center parking garage. The security guard was taken to a hospital in critical condition. He later died from his injuries, Dallas Police said.
Fort Wayne man dies after pinned in machinery at steel plant in Butler
BUTLER, Ind. (WANE) A man was killed in an industrial accident early Friday morning at a factory in Butler. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, the death happened at the Heidtman Steel plant located in the 4400 block of CR 59. Police and other first responders were called to the plant at 2:00 a.m. after being notified that a man had been pinned in some machinery. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the man was working on the machinery when he became pinned. He’s been identified at Kevin Hartsock, 44, of Fort Wayne.
Two Workers Die in Fire at Charlotte Apartment Construction Site
Charlotte, N.C. — Two construction workers died in a May 18 fire that consumed two under-construction apartment buildings in Charlotte, N.C., officials have confirmed. Charlotte Fire Dept. Chief Reginald Johnson told reporters at a May 19 press conference that firefighters discovered the remains of two bodies inside the burned building, and Keith Suggs, owner of Atlanta-based contractor KVS Windows and Doors, confirmed to ENR that two employees, Demonte Sherrill and Rueben Holmes, both door installers, died in the fire. Johnson said the accidental fire started in a foam insulation trailer on the ground floor. Without drywall to curb the flames, and with breezy conditions, the fire spread rapidly, Johnson said. Sherrill and Holmes were installing doors on the sixth floor, where Suggs said there was only one way up and one way down—a staircase on the opposite end of the building. The two workers were trapped when the fire cut them off from the stairs. “There was no way for them to get out of the building,” Local news stations report that Sherrill, a 30-year-old father of four, called family members from inside the burning building and made a Facebook Live video pleading for help.
Sunset man killed in work accident at Clearfield warehouse
CLEARFIELD, UT — A 38-year-old Sunset man was killed in an industrial accident in Clearfield on Monday. The man, whose name was not immediately released pending notification of other family members, was pinned by a forklift at Americold Logistics, 755 E. 1700 South, a cold storage warehouse. “When first responders arrived, they found an adult male pinned between a forklift and some freezer shelves with coworkers attending to him. First responders worked quickly and were able to free the victim from the entrapment and rendered some medical aid,” according to a prepared statement from Clearfield police. The man was taken to a local hospital with “significant trauma to lower extremities” and died shortly after arriving, police stated.
Employee killed in work accident at Habitat for Humanity ReStore
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) – A store employee was killed after getting trapped by a forklift at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore center in southeastern North Carolina. According to a spokesperson with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a person trapped between the forklift and a counter Friday just before 3 p.m. The sheriff’s office said the employee was taken to the hospital where the N.C. Department of Labor said they died the next day from their injuries. “The N.C. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Division has been informed of the incident and opened an inspection,” a spokesperson for NCDOL told WECT.
Man killed in Texas City refinery fire, officials say
Texas City, TX — An unidentified man died Monday morning in a fire at Marathon Petroleum Corp.’s Galveston Bay Refinery, officials said. “We are deeply saddened to report that a Marathon employee has passed away as a result of the fire today at Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery,” spokeswoman Melissa Ory said. Marathon did not comment about the details of the fire or who the victim was. “Out of respect for the employee’s family, Marathon is not publicly confirming a name at this time,” Ory said. A full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire, Ory said. The fire had started at 9:30 a.m. and was under control by 12 p.m., Texas City Police Department said in a statement. This is the second death at the refinery in the past two months. A contract worker, identified as Alfredo Reyes, 25, at the refinery died after being electrocuted on Feb. 28, officials said.
Man dies after becoming stuck in paper mill machinery in central Wisconsin
WHITING, Wis. — A 40-year-old man, Joshua Vyse, died after he became stuck in machinery at a central Wisconsin paper mill, authorities said. The Portage County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and first responders were called Sunday afternoon to the Mativ Inc. Paper Mill in Whiting, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) west of Green Bay. Vyse, who was a plant employee, died as a result of his injuries despite lifesaving measures. Officials said the man died after he became stuck in a paper machine at the mill, WSAW-TV reported. His name has not been released. Jason Free, the executive vice president of operations at Mativ, said Monday in a statement that “we are deeply saddened by yesterday’s death of one of our team members at our Whiting facility.”
Mentor police identify construction worker who died after falling off lift
MENTOR, Ohio (WOIO) – A 54-year-old man died Thursday evening after falling approximately 20-feet from an extension lift while he was painting the Hendricks Road Bridge. On Tuesday, Mentor police identified the victim as Raul Perez. Perez was employed by Beaver Excavating. Police said Perez was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident. According to police, the door to the occupant area of the extension lift opened unexpectedly as it was being lowered and Perez fell out, landing on State Route 2. Rescue crews were called to the scene just before 11 p.m. on May 11. Police said when they arrived, Perez was in cardiac arrest with major head injuries. He was pronounced dead at UH Lake West Medical Center.
29-year-old dies while doing tree work in Nashua
NASHUA, N.H. — Authorities are investigating a death involving a member of a tree crew working at a Nashua home. A crew from a landscaping company out of Lynn, Massachusetts, was doing work outside a home on Conant Road when the accident happened. A crew from a landscaping company out of Lynn, Massachusetts, was doing work outside a home on Conant Road when the accident happened. Police identified the victim as Amilcar Lopez-Garcia, 29. Crew members told WMUR Lopez-Garcia was a long-time employee at Leo’s Landscaping, and they weren’t sure what exactly happened, only that he had been cutting branches on a tree around 12:30 p.m. Monday when he fell. Crew members said they’re worried he may have hit power lines on the way down. This is at least the third tree-related death this year. A crew from a landscaping company out of Lynn, Massachusetts, was doing work outside a home on Conant Road when the accident happened.
Volunteer firefighter dies after being struck responding to crash
COVINGTON COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) – A volunteer firefighter in Mississippi died from his injuries Wednesday afternoon after being struck responding to a crash on U.S. Highway 49 in Covington County. The Seminary Police Department identified the first responder and firefighter on Facebook as Phillip Allan, a long-time volunteer in Covington and Simpson counties. The Mississippi Highway Patrol said it responded to a single-vehicle crash at around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. Allan, who happened to come up on the crash, also stopped to help, the Mississippi Highway Patrol said. He was walking across the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 49 when he was struck by a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox that was going north. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Allan was transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
Construction worker killed in worksite crash on I-10 in Phoenix
PHOENIX, AZ — A construction worker is dead after the driver of a semi-truck hit a commercial boom lift vehicle early Thursday morning in Phoenix. The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of a construction zone near Guadalupe Road and I-10. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the boom lift was in the process of moving from the closure across the open lanes to the right shoulder when it was hit by a semi. The collision caused the worker to be thrown from the lift. That person died at the hospital a short time later. The driver of the semi remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. It’s unclear what led up to the crash. DPS says the victim, who’s name has not been released, was employed by a subcontractor working for the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Worker dies after incident at Decatur manufacturing plant
DECATUR, Ind. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death of an employee at a Decatur manufacturing plant. Ohio-based Prestress Services Industries LLC confirmed to our partners at WPTA-TV that Brian Scott Conley died at a Fort Wayne hospital after what the company called a tragic accident. The incident occurred on May 3, but the company said details remain under investigation. In a statement emailed to WPTA, Prestress Services President Barry Barger said Conley, 56, “will be greatly missed.” Prestress Services is a structural precast company that manufactures and supplies prestressed concrete bridge beams.
Man dead after getting stuck in machine at south Columbus factory
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One man is dead after getting stuck in a machine while working at a factory in south Columbus Saturday morning. According to a police dispatcher, a person was working at the Superior Die & Tool Machine company factory on 2301 Fairwood Avenue got stuck in a machine. A spokesperson with the Columbus Division of Fire confirmed that person was a male employee who was pronounced dead at 10:22 a.m.
Worker dies after helping restrain intruder at care facility
Sam Jose, CA — The death of a care home worker who collapsed and died after restraining an intruder has been ruled a homicide, California police said. Alex Albetria helped hold down the intruder attacking staff at a San Jose care facility until police arrived on Dec. 11, the San Jose Police Department said in a May 10 news release. After police arrested the intruder on counts of burglary and assault, Albetria “collapsed from the physical exertion of restraining the suspect,” police said. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. TOP VIDEOS The coroner’s office told police on April 24 that its investigation showed Albetria’s “cause of death was homicide,” according to police.
Police ID victims of triple homicide at Kansas City nightclub
Kansas City, MO — Kansas City police have released the names of two men and one woman killed in a shooting early Sunday morning at Klymax Lounge, a nightclub in the Oak Park neighborhood of Kansas City. Police on Monday identified the victims as 41-year-old Jason McConnell, 24-year-old Antoinette “Libby” Brenson and 33-year-old Clarence Henderson, who The Star independently confirmed is a rapper who goes by the name Nutty Still Gassin. Two other people were also shot, but lived. Both victims remain critically wounded, but in stable condition at the hospital, according to the Kansas City Police Department. The third victim died at the hospital. On Sunday, McConnell’s stepdaughter said her loved one, who worked security at the nightclub, was one of the victims.
Truck Driver Killed in Crash with Norfolk Southern Train
Sedalia, MO — A train derailment has killed one person in Monroe County. The semi-truck driver involved in the crash, Russell Minnis, 65, of Higbee Mo., was killed. The accident happened Sunday around 2:45 p.m., at a crossing located two miles east of Madison (east of Moberly) in Monroe County at Highway 24. According to Monroe County Sheriff Joe Colston, “The driver of a semi-tractor trailer collided with the train, resulting in his death.”
18-wheeler truck driver killed in fiery crash on I-49 in Lafayette
Lafayette, LA – The Lafayette Police Department were on the scene Saturday evening of a fatal vehicle crash involving and 18-wheeler. Preliminary investigation indicates the 18-wheeler was traveling Northbound on I-49 just before East Butcher Switch Road. The 18-wheeler collided with an un-occupied abandoned vehicle that was parked on the shoulder of the roadway. The 18-wheeler lost control, leaving the roadway. The 18-wheeler came to rest on the service road at 3100 NE Evangeline Thruway near East Butcher Switch. The driver of the 18-wheeler died as a result of the crash.
2 women killed outside Federal Way bar where they worked
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — The hunt is on for a disgruntled customer who allegedly ambushed two employees at a bar in Federal Way as they were leaving work. The two women are dead and another customer is badly hurt. The shooting happened at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning at the Stars Bar and Grill on Pacific Highway South. The two female employees were shot and killed in the parking lot as they were walking to their cars. Two female employees of the Stars Bar & Grill were murdered as they and a customer left early Sunday morning. His friend, he said, works at Stars. “She’s a bartender here at this bar,” he said. Federal Way police said the two women were working at the bar Saturday night when a customer got angry. They believe that the customer, a man in his late 20s, or early 30s, waited in the parking lot for them to leave, and then shot them and another customer. Then he fled.
Man killed in logging accident in Dickenson County, sheriff says
DICKENSON COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — A man was killed in a logging accident that happened on Thursday afternoon, according Dickenson County Sheriff Jeremy Fleming. According to Sheriff Fleming, the accident happened around 4 p.m. on South of the Mountain Road, near A.J. Stanley Drive. The man killed was identified as 53-year-old James Hagerman, of Jolo, West Virginia. Hagerman was assisting with storm damage cleanup, according to Sheriff Fleming.
Pet owner shoots, kills vet tech during argument at animal clinic, police say
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) – An employee of a veterinary clinic in Kentucky was shot and killed by a pet owner during an argument, police said. Veterinary technician Trent “TJ” Taylor, 21, was killed Sunday in a shooting at Shively Animal Clinic just south of Louisville. According to Shively police, the investigation is still ongoing, and officers are still interviewing dozens of witnesses.
Worker Killed In Post Road Crash In Fairfield
FAIRFIELD, CT — A 59-year-old Colchester man was killed Wednesday morning when he was struck by a vehicle, while he was doing surveying work, in the driveway of a business at 2150 Post Road in Fairfield, according to police. The crash occurred at about 9:15 a.m. Police identified the surveyor as Colchester resident Stephen Brynn. He was taken to St. Vincent’s Medical Center after the crash, where he was pronounced dead.
Man killed after being electrocuted in Fresno County, identified
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — One man is dead after an industrial accident resulted in an electrocution Wednesday morning in Fresno County. Authorities and rescue crews are at Manning and Academy Avenues in Parlier where a manlift’s zoom boom has hit power lines. PG&E had all rescue crews stay back at least 30 feet until power was shut off. According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the man killed Wednesday morning has been identified as 37-year-old Juan Ambriz, of Fresno.
Tow Truck Driver Dies After Being Hit by Car on Highway 101 in San Jose
San Jose, CA — A person was struck and killed on Highway 101 in San Jose late Saturday night. A man who died after being struck by a car on Highway 101 in San Jose over the weekend was a tow truck driver, the California Highway Patrol said Monday. The man, a 36-year-old resident of San Jose, was driving a truck for Alongi Brothers Towing on northbound 101 about 11:45 p.m. Saturday when he pulled over to the right shoulder just north of Tully Road, according to the CHP. The man got out of the truck, walked behind it and then into traffic lanes, apparently trying to retrieve something. He was hit by a white Toyota Rav4 and ended up in the #4 lane, where he was then hit by another car. A big-rig truck then came to a stop, blocking the body until CHP officers arrived.
Riverside County deputy killed in crash, department’s third on-duty death in five months
San Jacinto, CA — A 26-year-old Riverside County sheriff’s deputy has died after he was critically injured in a car crash last week while on duty, authorities said. Deputy Brett Harris was responding to a call for backup at 2:16 a.m. Friday when he collided with a Nissan Maxima sedan and hit a light pole in San Jacinto. Harris was in critical condition when he was taken to a hospital, where he died Saturday from his injuries, Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a news release. “Deputy Harris suffered major injuries as a result of the crash, including a catastrophic brain injury,” Bianco said.
Texas boy, 12, charged with murder over shooting of Sonic Drive-In employee
Keene, TX — Police charged a 12-year-old boy with murder after he allegedly shot and killed a Sonic employee in north central Texas, authorities said Sunday. The boy and a 20-year-old, Angel Gomez, arrived at a Sonic Drive-In in Keene, Texas, on Saturday night, police said. Sonic employee Matthew Davis, 32, confronted Gomez after he allegedly became disorderly in the parking lot. The argument escalated and became physical. The 12-year-old boy, who was a passenger in Gomez’s vehicle, allegedly pulled out a gun and repeatedly fired at Davis, the Keen Police Department wrote on Facebook. The boy used an AR-style weapon and fired at least six rounds at Davis, CBS affiliate KTVT reported. Gomez and the unnamed juvenile suspect, who are both from Fort Worth, then left the scene. Davis was lying in the parking lot when officers arrived at around 9:40 p.m. Saturday, police and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office said. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was having a hard time breathing. Davis was flown to a hospital where he was rushed into surgery, but he died from his injuries.
Employee Killed, 2 Others Injured, Including Child, In Shooting At Albany Barber Shop
Albany, NY — A 47-year-old employee was killed and two others were injured, including a young child, when a gunman opened fire at a barber shop in the region. The shooting happened at around 2:45 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in Albany, at the Village Barber & Beauty on Second Avenue near Slingerland Street, according to Albany Police. When officers arrived they found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds inside the business, including the employee, who had been shot in his torso and shoulder. He was taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Owner Reginald Graham later identified the victim as barber Tyrone Staley in a Facebook post.
Charlotte Medic Employee Dies On Duty
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Paramedic with Mecklenburg County EMS died while on duty following a medical emergency on May 13th, according to a post made on social media by MEDIC. The Mecklenburg County EMS Agency released a statement expressing their condolences for Paramedic Mark Hayes who died on Saturday. There is no word on the cause of Hayes’ death. Hayes worked at MEDIC since 1997.
Employee dies from ‘medical event’ at Onalaska Wendy’s, police confirm
ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) — An employee died from a medical event at a Wendy’s location Wednesday night, Onalaska Police confirmed. According to Onalaska Police Chief Charles Ashbeck, the employee was discovered unresponsive around 7:30 p.m. near the office area in the back of the restaurant. Staff attempted life-saving measures, including CPR until emergency responders arrived. The attempts were not successful, Ashbeck said. Ashbeck called the death suspicious, but clarified that the suspicion is not related to criminal activity of any other parties, but rather the untimely nature of the death related to the employee’s age. Ashbeck expects an autopsy to be performed. The county medical examiner is involved with the investigation