{"id":13768,"date":"2026-04-29T07:07:55","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T11:07:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jordanbarab.com\/confinedspace\/?p=13768"},"modified":"2026-04-28T17:41:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T21:41:01","slug":"the-negligence-just-keeps-piling-up-the-bi-weekly-toll","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jordanbarab.com\/confinedspace\/2026\/04\/29\/the-negligence-just-keeps-piling-up-the-bi-weekly-toll\/","title":{"rendered":"The Negligence Just Keeps Piling Up: The Bi-Weekly Toll"},"content":{"rendered":"

How workers died last week: electrocutions, tunnel collapse, explosion,\u00a0 falling, rollovers, brush fire, grain-bin, crushed by construction lift, vehicular collisions, shootings, medical emergency on-duty.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> On average, 100 workers die every week from traumatic injuries on the job in the United States.<\/strong>\u00a0More 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.\u00a0Why We Write The Weekly Toll<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Chemical leak at a West Virginia plant kills 2 workers and sends 30 more to hospitals, officials say<\/h3>\n

INSTITUTE, WV — A chemical leak<\/a> at a West Virginia silver recovery business on Wednesday killed two people and sent about 30 others to hospitals, including one in serious condition, authorities said. The leak occurred at the Catalyst Refiners plant in Institute as workers were preparing to shut down at least part of the facility, Kanawha County Commission Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman said. A chemical gas reaction occurred at the plant involving nitric acid and another substance, Sigman said at a news briefing. He added that there was \u201ca violent reaction of the chemicals and it instantaneously overreacted.\u201d \u201cStarting or ending a chemical reaction are the most dangerous times,\u201d Sigman said. The chemical reaction that was believed to have occurred during a cleaning process produced toxic hydrogen sulfide, Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango said. Among the injured were seven ambulance workers responding to the leak, officials said. Morrisey said one person was in serious condition. Vandalia Health Charleston Area Medical Center, one of several hospitals in the area, was treating multiple patients, some brought by Ambulance, while members of the community were arriving Wednesday afternoon asking to be checked, hospital spokesman Dale Witte said. Witte said patients were experiencing respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and itchy eyes. They were being evaluated in the emergency room.<\/p>\n

NJ Worker Crushed By Construction Lift In \u2018Tragic Accident’<\/h3>\n

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A construction worker in Passaic County is dead after being crushed by a large lift that had fallen<\/a>, according to police. On Monday, around 11:15 a.m., authorities were called to the intersection of Main Avenue and Homer Street in Clifton on reports of an accident. Officials found that a worker, 34-year-old Vincent “Vinny” Trotter<\/strong>, had been under a large construction lift when it fell on its side, resulting in fatal injuries, police said. Witnesses told News 12 New Jersey that the lift was being removed from a flatbed truck when it toppled over onto the worker. Clifton first responders, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Passaic County Sheriff\u2019s Crime Scene Investigation, investigated the scene.<\/p>\n

Orlando hotel employee dies after industrial dryer incident, Orange County Fire Rescue says<\/h3>\n

ORLANDO, FL — A Hilton Orlando employee died<\/a> Thursday night after getting trapped under a dryer, according to Orange County Fire Rescue. The incident happened around 9 p.m. at the hotel on Destination Parkway, near International Drive and the Orange County Convention Center. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the employee, Aureilius Katinde<\/strong>,30, was found under an industrial-sized dryer. Firefighters pulled him from under the dryer, but he died at the scene. The sheriff’s office is investigating the incident. Detectives believe this was accidental. OSHA confirms it is also investigating. “We are deeply saddened by the very unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday evening. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected and remain committed to supporting them during this difficult time,” according to a Hilton Orlando spokesperson.<\/p>\n

Colleagues, community mourns N.J. nurse killed by husband at work<\/h3>\n

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — Victoria Alexander<\/strong> devoted her work to caring for patients and those around her, a role now reflected in the grief felt at her South Jersey nursing facility and within a local school district touched by her death. Alexander, 38, of Minotola, was arriving for her shift around 6 a.m. Monday when she was fatally shot outside the facility<\/a> in the 6800 block of Delilah Road, about seven miles west of Atlantic City. Authorities said the alleged gunman was her estranged husband, 35-year-old Brandon Alexander. He died Tuesday morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor\u2019s Office, Brandon Alexander confronted his wife in the parking lot after pulling his vehicle up to hers. Moments later, he entered her car, leaving two suicide notes on the dashboard. When a food courier asked him to move his vehicle, authorities said, Victoria Alexander fled her car and ran inside the building for safety. Brandon Alexander chased her inside and shot her multiple times near the doorway. After shooting his wife, he turned the gun on himself, prosecutors said.<\/p>\n

Pilot dies after mechanical failure brings down helicopter in Mojave<\/h3>\n

MOJAVE, CA — A commercial helicopter pilot was killed Thursday in Mojave when the aircraft he was operating had a mechanical failure<\/a> and crashed, the California Department of Industrial Relations reported. It said the pilot, an employee of Ferguson & Sons Construction, was pronounced dead at the scene. The agency noted the Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.<\/p>\n

Truck driver killed after crash on I-64<\/h3>\n

GRAYSON, KY — At about 1:35 AM Friday, Kentucky State Police Post 14 received a call from Carter Country 911 regarding a pedestrian being struck<\/a> on Interstate 64 in the eastbound lanes near the 150 mile marker. Police believe Anwarulhaq Safi<\/strong>, 33, was driving a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia when the tractor trailer hit a guardrail and traveled down an embankment before overturning. Further investigation revealed that after he stepped out of his vehicle to inspect his truck, he was then struck by a passing vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.<\/p>\n

Arkansas Department of Corrections employee killed in Mississippi shooting<\/h3>\n

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Corrections announced on Sunday that an employee from the Varner\/Varner Supermax unit has died<\/a>. Officials with the Arkansas Department of Corrections shared a post from MaKayla Adams\u2019 Facebook page, saying, \u201cWe are saddened to announce the passing of Col. MaKayla Adams<\/strong> of the Varner\/Varner Supermax. Our hearts go out to her loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. The post on Adams\u2019 post read, \u201cAs a mother it is with a heavy heart that I bring news of MaKayla Adams passing she was a victim of the shooting last night in Belzoni. MaKayla was dearly loved and touched many. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this time.\u201d WJTV also reports in the video above that two suspects are in custody and the investigation is ongoing.<\/p>\n

Worker dies after electric shock, fall in Ohio at school renovation site<\/h3>\n

BYESVILLE, OH — A workplace death is under investigation<\/a> after a man was shocked and fell while working at Meadowbrook High School. According to Zanesville Times Recorder, the incident happened shortly before 9 a.m. on April 11. Authorities said the 27-year-old man from Lancaster was working for a contracted company at the school, which is undergoing renovations. His name and employer have not been released. Dispatchers received a report that the man had been shocked while on the job. Deputies and Byesville EMS responded to the scene. Investigators said the man was on a ladder when he was shocked and fell about six feet. Emergency crews performed life-saving measures before taking him to OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center in Cambridge, where he was later pronounced dead. The Ohio Occupational Health and Safety Administration is investigating the incident.<\/p>\n

Worker killed, another injured in Calif. tunnel collapse<\/h3>\n

STANISLAUS COUNTY, CA — One worker was killed<\/a> and a second was injured when a tunnel collapsed in Knights Ferry on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Modesto Fire Department. Modesto Fire Capt. Joe Spani said in a text message that crews from his department and the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District were dispatched at 3:42 p.m. to a rescue in the area of Schell and Sonora roads near Knights Ferry. \u201cFirefighters and an ambulance crew arrived at a tunneling project where a collapse occurred,\u201d Spani said. \u201cOne injured person was out of the tunnel when firefighters arrived and was transported to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries. One person was still inside the tunnel and has been declared deceased.\u201d Stanislaus Consolidated gave the address of the incident as 16940 Schell Road. It\u2019s a worksite of the Canyon Tunnel Project. The worker was later identified to be Twyla Capurro<\/strong> of Coulterville<\/p>\n

Worker found dead in toxic wastewater pond in Fresno County<\/h3>\n

FRESNO COUNTY, CA — Authorities say the man who fell into a pond of toxic wastewater<\/a> on Thursday in Fresno County has been discovered dead. Officials say they discovered the man on Friday morning after he became trapped in a hazardous confined space that may have exposed him to dangerous gases and pathogens. Police believe the man may have fallen into a pond of toxic wastewater on Thursday, but say divers could not reach him. Officers say the victim, 39-year-old Juan Patino<\/strong>, was last seen around 1 p.m. working to relieve pressure on an industrial water digester at Sunshine Corp, formerly National Raisin Company, in Fowler. Employers contacted law enforcement after he didn\u2019t return by 2:30 p.m. Officials say they went back to the scene on Friday morning with special dive teams with protective equipment and were able to locate Patino around 10 a.m. and recover him.<\/p>\n

Grandfather of 15 Dies in Crash at the End of His Truck Driving Shift: ‘Their Favorite Person Is Gone’<\/h3>\n

LAS VEGAS, NV — Police Department said a “>collision between a tractor trailer and a passenger vehicle on April 9, killed both drivers. The tractor trailer driver was identified by his family as Terry Bilton<\/strong>, 75. On Thursday, April 9, officers responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer and a passenger vehicle near Simmons Street and Citizen Avenue, North Las Vegas Police Department said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. When they arrived, both vehicles were in flames. The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. Bilton’s family said the crash occurred at the end of his truck driving shift, according to ABC affiliate KNTV-TV.<\/p>\n

Man dies months after explosion at food packaging plant in Janesville<\/h3>\n

JANESVILLE, WI — A man who was hurt in an explosion<\/a> at the NaturPak food packaging plant in February has died. The Rock County Medical Examiner\u2019s Department identified him as Gerardo Vargas Soto<\/strong>, 30, of Beloit. Vargas Soto was hurt in the explosion on February 11. The medical examiner said he died at the hospital on April 11. Officials said the explosion at the plant was a result of steam over-pressurization. The incident is still under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Janesville Police Department, and the Rock County Medical Examiner\u2019s Department. Following the February 11th explosion at NaturPak, there was another industrial accident at the plant on March 18. Two workers, Roberto Martinez<\/strong> and Laurance Perkins<\/strong>, died. Martinez died four days after the incident, and Perkins died six days after it.<\/p>\n

Man charged after deadly shooting in Walmart parking lot<\/h3>\n

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV — A woman is dead after a shooting<\/a>, and a man is charged with first-degree murder, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff\u2019s Office. Deputies said the shooting happened Monday morning in the parking lot of the Nitro Marketplace Walmart on Monday morning. That\u2019s located in the Cross Lanes area. The Kanawha County Sheriff\u2019s office says that the victim, Misty Williams<\/strong>, 40, of Dunbar, was an employee at the store, and she was found in a car by other employees after not returning from her break. Deputies have identified the suspect as Eric DeWayne Richmond, 54, and say that Williams and Richmond knew one another. According to the criminal complaint from Kanawha County Magistrate Court, Richmond faces a first-degree murder charge. A preliminary hearing is set for 2 p.m. on April 20. Richmond is being held without bond.<\/p>\n

Man killed in Salt Lake City worksite incident<\/h3>\n

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — A man was killed in a Salt Lake City worksite incident<\/a> Thursday morning near 1800 West 1500 South. Salt Lake City police and fire crews responded to the scene after the man was reportedly struck by an object that fell from a crane about 7:30 a.m. On-scene personnel began life-saving measures prior to the arrival of first responders; despite those efforts, the man died at the scene. No other injuries were reported. According to Sgt. Wilking of the Salt Lake City Police Department, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is leading an investigation into the cause of the fatal incident. The victim\u2019s name has not been released.<\/p>\n

Water supply employee dies in Olmito work accident<\/h3>\n

OLMITO, TX — An investigation is underway after a water supply employee died<\/a> on Wednesday while performing underground work in Olmito, according to the Brownsville Police Department. Brownsville police identified the employee as 42-year-old Juan Antonio Delgado<\/strong>. The job accident occurred at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the corner of Lomax Road and Cortezville Street. Brownsville police and the Brownsville Fire Department responded to the scene after receiving a call about a water supply employee from Olmito Water Supply, later identified as Delgado, who fell into a sewer drain well. According to police, Delgado was lowered into a drainage well while inside a cage to perform work duties and fell into the water. Police said Delgado fell approximately 10 feet below. Crews with the Brownsville Fire Department removed Delgado from the drainage well, and he was later declared dead at the scene. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly known as OSHA, was contacted, police said.<\/p>\n

HVAC technician killed in work accident at church building<\/h3>\n

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AK — An HVAC technician was killed this week<\/a> during a work accident at a church. According to a Facebook post from Graves Memorial Baptist Church, an experienced HVAC tech with Kirby Heating and Air was killed in an accident. “We ask that you please pray for the Brian Kirby family, the Kirby Heating and Air team, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking situation. May God bring comfort and peace in the midst of this sorrow,” the post read.<\/p>\n

Worker dies after falling from scaffolding at downtown Wichita construction site<\/h3>\n

WICHITA, KS — A worker has died after falling from scaffolding<\/a> at the Wichita Biomedical Campus construction site downtown Monday morning. It happened just before 11:30 a.m., according to Sedgwick County Emergency Communications 911 scanner traffic, which is based on preliminary information and subject to change. The worker was conscious after falling from construction scaffolding, police said via the scanner, and was taken to nearby Ascension Via Christi St. Francis. Later in the day, Midwest Drywall released a statement saying the worker had died.<\/p>\n

Coroner releases name of Layton man killed in I-15 rollover near Pocatello<\/h3>\n

POCATELLO, ID — Bannock County Authorities have identified the semi-truck driver who lost his life<\/a> in a single-vehicle rollover south of Pocatello last week. Coroner Torey Danner has identified the man as Shawn Tingley<\/strong>, 63, of Layton, Utah. Investigators report that Tingley was driving a 2020 Volvo tractor when, for some unknown reason, the vehicle drifted off the right shoulder. The semi-truck struck a nearby hillside and overturned, eventually coming to rest on top of a guardrail. While Tingley was wearing his seatbelt, he died of his injuries at the scene of the crash.<\/p>\n

Truck driver struck and killed by lightning in a Kwik Trip parking lot<\/h3>\n

WAUKESHA, WI — Severe storms rumbled through Wisconsin this week, with lightning claiming the life of a truck driver<\/a>. The 41-year-old worker from Pennsylvania was struck as he was walking across a Kwik Trip parking lot Wednesday night, the first lightning death in the country this year. Chris Vagasky, a national expert on lightning safety, says this marks only the fourth fatal lightning strike in Wisconsin in the last 10 years. \u201cEven though the odds of it actually impacting anybody are low. When lightning strikes somebody, it has a significant impact. It\u2019s lifelong injuries or it\u2019s fatalities,\u201d Vagasky said.<\/p>\n

Truck Driver Killed In Fiery I-84 Truck Crash In Vernon<\/h3>\n

VERNON, CT — The crash<\/a> was reported on Wednesday evening, April 15, on I-84 in Vernon around 11:15 p.m. State Police said Babikir Abdelrahman, a 56-year-old man from Indiana, had pulled his Volvo semi-truck onto the right shoulder of the eastbound lanes near Exit 67. Not long after, another tractor-trailer slammed into the Abdelrahman\u2019s parked truck. Police are not sure what led up to the crash. The other tractor-trailer burst into flames moments after the wreck. The driver of the Freightliner did not survive. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene. The deceased driver was later identified to be Mohamed Abdullahi Aweis<\/strong>, 28, of Cleveland, OH.<\/p>\n

New York state trooper killed; soldier charged and held without bail<\/h3>\n

THERESA, NY — A New York State Trooper was shot and killed<\/a> Sunday evening in northern New York close to the Canadian border while responding to a domestic dispute, according to State Police. State Police said around 8 p.m. Sunday, Trooper Joel Davis<\/strong> responded to a call of shots fired at 34371 County Route 46 in the Town of Theresa, near Fort Drum. Trooper Davis was approaching the home when troopers say he was shot once and killed. State Police have identified the suspect as Justin Walters, 32, an active duty Army Infantryman. Police said a second woman living on the couple’s property was also shot, but her injuries were not life threatening. Walters’ wife, 27-year old Nichole Walters, was also found dead at the scene. Walters surrendered without incident.<\/p>\n

Driver dead after tractor-trailer crashes through guardrail into PA reservoir<\/h3>\n

MIFFLIN COUNTY, PA — One person is dead<\/a> after a tractor-trailer crashed through a guardrail into a reservoir according to Pennsylvania State Police. Troopers confirm that at about 2:30 a.m. Friday, the vehicle was traveling westbound on U.S. 322 west when officials say the driver failed to negotiate a right curve and struck a center concrete divider. The tractor-trailer then left the right side of the roadway on Filter Plant Access Road, going through a guardrail and onto the gravel road. The trailer traveled 150 feet before going over a large embankment and into Laurel Creek reservoir. The tractor portion of the vehicle became fully submerged and the trailer portion was partially submerged. Troopers say the operator has been recovered, and was identified to be 72-year-old Steven Larrabee<\/strong> of Lancaster County.<\/p>\n

NJ Trucker Killed After Other Motorist Cut Him Off, Brake-Checked Him On I-295, Family Says<\/h3>\n

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — A 39-year-old Trenton truck driver was killed<\/a> after crashing a tractor-trailer on I-295 in Burlington County on Friday afternoon, April 17, authorities said. Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 12:37 p.m. in Mount Laurel after Dorian Flemmins<\/strong> was driving a Volvo tractor-trailer southbound when he lost control of the vehicle, ran off the roadway to the left, and struck a guardrail, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. The truck then collided with the center concrete bridge support for County Road 603, Lebron said. Flemmins was pronounced dead at the scene, Lebron said.<\/p>\n

Man dead after being thrown from construction equipment in Darke County<\/h3>\n

DARKE COUNTY, OH — A Versailles man died Sunday, April 19, after he was thrown from construction equipment<\/a> hauling a log in Darke County. Around 4:48 p.m., Darke County sheriff\u2019s deputies and Osgood Fire and Osgood Rescue crews responded to the 7600 block of Medford Road for a fatal incident. A preliminary investigation determined 65-year-old Steve P. Kramer<\/strong> was operating a Case 1845 skid loader going east on Medford Road with a large log on the front of the equipment, according to the sheriff\u2019s office. The weight of the log was reportedly too heavy, causing the equipment to tip forward and eject Kramer. Kramer was pinned between the skid loader and its boom, the sheriff\u2019s office said. He died from his injuries at the scene. The Darke County Coroner\u2019s Office responded for further investigation.<\/p>\n

A Fort Worth man was killed by his coworker, police say. The victim’s family claims he was bullied at work<\/h3>\n

FORT WORTH, TX \u2014 A Taco Casa employee has confessed to shooting and killing a co-worker<\/a> before stealing his car, Fort Worth police announced Friday, capping a days-long missing persons investigation that ended with the discovery of a body in an east Fort Worth field. Gregory D. Lewis, 34, is facing charges of capital murder in the death of Thomas King<\/strong>, 31, who had been last seen wearing his Taco Casa work uniform. King’s family reported him missing on April 14 after he failed to return home from his shift at the Taco Casa on Bridgewood Drive in Fort Worth on April 13.<\/p>\n

Flying J employee dies in fatal accident<\/h3>\n

ROCK SPRINGS, WY — The Rock Springs Police Department is investigating a fatal incident<\/a> that occurred early the morning of Sunday, April 19 in the parking lot of the Flying J Travel Center. At approximately 5 a.m., a Flying J employee was working to direct commercial vehicle traffic within the lot. Initial findings suggest that as one semi-truck began to move, the employee was positioned between that vehicle and a second stationary vehicle. The employee was subsequently pinned between the two units. Rock Springs Fire Department and Castle Rock Ambulance arrived on the scene and coordinated life-saving measures. Despite the rapid response and medical intervention, the employee was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time pending the notification of family members.<\/p>\n

Man arrested after shooting, killing Oklahoma deputy<\/h3>\n

LEFLORE COUNTY, OK — Authorities say one man is behind bars following a deadly officer-involved shooting<\/a>. Around 11 a.m. on Sunday, the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, Wister Police Department and U.S. Forestry Service responded to a welfare check at a home in Wister. When officers arrived, they were immediately fired upon by 36-year-old Edgar Lara. Investigators fired back as Lara barricaded himself inside the home. Officials with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said that a LeFlore County deputy and Wister police officer suffered injuries in the shootout. The deputy was pronounced dead and the officer was taken to a local hospital. Around 4 p.m., Lara surrendered and was treated for minor injuries. He is now behind bars at the LeFlore County Jail and is awaiting charges. The deceased was later revealed to be Deputy Thomas “Walker” LeMay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

OSHA Investigating Workplace Death at Donjon Shipbuilding and Repairs, Autopsy on Victim Complete<\/h3>\n

ERIE, PA — The investigation is continuing into a weekend workplace death<\/a> at Erie\u2019s Donjon shipbuilding and repair. As Erie News Now first reported, it happened on board a 1,000 foot cargo freighter that\u2019s been docked in Erie all winter for repairs. The office of the Erie County coroner, and OSHA — the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are both investigating. According to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, the victim, 44-year-old Alfredo Arias<\/strong>, fell about 55 feet into a forward cargo hold of the freighter \u201cAmerican Integrity.\u201d An autopsy performed at the county morgue on Monday confirmed Coroner Cook\u2019s initial finding that the worker suffered multiple blunt force trauma in the fall. The autopsy ruled out any medical issues, such as a heart attack or stroke. The coroner said that Arias was not wearing a safety harness when he fell just before 5 a.m. Saturday. Coroner Cook ruled the death accidental, but said he will wait for toxicology test results before ruling on the cause of death. A former Donjon employee, who declined to talk on camera, expressed concern about the accident. He wondered why the employee was not \u201charnessed in,\u201d if there was any cabling installed around the perimeter of the hold, and if the employee knew that the hatch cover had been removed. Those are all answers he hopes come out in the investigation.<\/p>\n

Arrest report in fatal I-75 crash says former ballplayer panicked before fleeing<\/h3>\n

SARASOTA, FL — The 18-year-old former baseball player accused of causing a fatal crash<\/a> April 20 on I-75 said he panicked when he saw a semi-trailer overturn, the arrest report shows. He also told investigators he knew video of the crash was circulating on social media and that the driver of the truck had died, but he did not contact police, the report said. The arrest report of Jonathan Matos Morales, released by the Florida Highway Patrol, gives details of how troopers found Matos Morales and his damaged Ford Mustang. Troopers say Matos Morales was heading south in the left lane of I-75 near State Road 64 at about 6:30 a.m. when he changed lanes, collided with an SUV in the center lane. The impact forced the SUV into the right lane and into the side of a semi-trailer. The semi swerved and overturned onto its right side and came to final rest on its side and top, partially in the grass median and across all three southbound lanes of the highway. The driver of the semi-trailer, Stavan Facey<\/strong>, 34, from New Smyrna, who was known as Owen, was killed. The driver of the SUV, a 63-year-old man from Palmetto, sustained minor injuries, the FHP said. Troopers say Matos Morales fled the scene after the crash.<\/p>\n

Southwest Kansas firefighter dies in line of duty<\/h3>\n

WICHITA, KA — Ford County Fire & Emergency Medical Services announced the death of a firefighter and paramedic<\/a> on Monday. William Cory \u201cLiam\u201d Price<\/strong> died Sunday after he suffered a medical emergency while in the line of duty. He served the department since September 2018, Ford County Fire & EMS said. This is the second line-of-duty death of a Kansas firefighter this month. Carl \u201cLevi\u201d Evans, a volunteer with Greeley County Fire & Rescue, died after having a medical problem during training.<\/p>\n

Former MLB prospect Brian Kirby dead after tragic accident on church roof<\/h3>\n

LITTLE ROCK, AK — Former Major League Baseball prospect Brian Kirby<\/strong> died while working on the roof<\/a> of a church in Arkansas. He was 43. Kirby’s death was confirmed by Graves Memorial Baptist Church in Little Rock, where Kirby was working. “This morning, a tragic accident occurred at our church building involving an employee of Kirby Heating and Air,” the church posted via Facebook on Wednesday, April 15. “He was more than an employee – he was part of our family and our community. Tragically, he lost his life. He was a highly skilled and experienced HVAC technician, and his loss is deeply felt.” The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the church and found Kirby unresponsive on the roof, according to a police report obtained by The Christian Post. A drone was used to locate Kirby’s body “near two air conditioning units.” Brian is survived by his parents, Curtis and Cindy, his wife, Jennifer, and the couple’s two daughters.<\/p>\n

Alabama police officer killed in fiery, on-duty crash with commercial truck<\/h3>\n

CLARKE COUNTY, AL –A police officer in south Alabama was killed in a fiery crash<\/a> with a large commercial truck early Wednesday. The wreck happened about 5:30 a.m. on U.S. 43 near the mile marker 90 in Clarke County. Thomasville Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey said the 25-year-old officer, Dallas Hinton<\/strong>, was in his patrol vehicle and on duty when he struck the back of box container trailer. The police cruiser burst into flames upon impact, and the officer was pronounced dead on the scene. Stuckey said Hinton had been on the force about two years and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was also engaged to be married.<\/p>\n

Construction worker killed after being run over by dump truck near 51st along Highway 75<\/h3>\n

TULSA, OK — A construction worker was hit and killed<\/a> by the driver of a dump truck in the construction zone at I-44 and Highway 75 in Tulsa on Thursday afternoon. Tulsa Police say the driver of the truck was backing up and ran over 21-year-old Javier Gardea<\/strong>. Police say he died from his injuries on the scene. Some of Gardea\u2019s family were on the same construction crew and were nearby when it happened, according to investigators. TPD is investigating the incident but says the initial information available suggests it was a tragic accident rather than foul play.<\/p>\n

Truck Driver Killed in Crash<\/h3>\n

GEARY COUNTY, KS — A truck driver was killed in a single vehicle crash<\/a> along Interstate 70 Thursday evening. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 41-year-old Christopher Poare<\/strong> of Wichita was driving an International Semi headed west on I 70. He left the road to the right, traveled in the ditch, reentered the road, and rolled. The semi came to rest on its top in the westbound left shoulder, facing eastbound. Poare, who was buckled up, died at the scene. The crash happened at 6:15 Thursday evening in Geary County on I 70 in the area of milepost 292, about two miles east of Milford Lake Road.<\/p>\n

Off-duty reserve deputy assisting with traffic control killed in Chambers Co. crash, officials say<\/h3>\n

CHAMBERS COUNTY, TX — Authorities are investigating after they say an off-duty reserve deputy with the Jefferson County Constable’s Office Precinct 1 was killed in a crash<\/a> on Friday. Texas DPS officials said the deadly wreck happened at about 7:41 a.m. on Interstate Highway 10 east. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office added that the incident involved an 18-wheeler and the off-duty deputy constable, who was conducting traffic control along the interstate. The deputy, identified by DPS as 48-year-old Heather Avery<\/strong>, was reportedly in a Ford Explorer with her emergency lights on when a Mack truck driver hit the back of the Ford. Officials said the truck driver, identified as 30-year-old Murphy Smith, was not injured in the crash. Chambers County deputies said the off-duty deputy was working for a private contractor at the time. An investigation is underway as officials have not said what led up to the crash.<\/p>\n

OSHA opens investigation after employee dies in ‘serious incident’ at Highland County plant<\/h3>\n

LEESBURG, OH — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation after an employee died<\/a> at a Highland County facility on Thursday. In a statement, Luminex President Michael Callahan said a “serious incident occurred” at their Candle-Lite plant in Leesburg, “which tragically resulted in the loss of a member of our team.” While Callahan did not provide additional details about the incident, he said emergency crews responded to the site “immediately,” and the company is working with OSHA and other authorities amid their investigation. OSHA confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been opened. Officials will have six months to complete it, during which no additional information will be provided. Neither Luminex nor OSHA named the employee who died.<\/p>\n

Victim dies after shooting at Glendale construction site<\/h3>\n

GLENDALE, AZ — A construction worker who was shot following a fight while on the job<\/a> in Glendale has since died, police confirmed Friday afternoon. Investigators identified the victim as Timothy Ted McFarlin<\/strong>, 47. According to police, McFarlin and an unidentified man got into an argument at a construction site where a parking garage is being built next to the Vai Resort, near 91st Avenue and Cardinals Way, around 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The man reportedly went to his work truck and got a gun. He then opened fire on McFarlin, hitting him multiple times, police said. The detective said the gunman called 911, placed the gun on the ground and waited for officers to arrive. McFarlin was rushed to the hospital, but later died. The shooter was detained, but there was no word of any charges as of 4 p.m. Friday.<\/p>\n

Cal\/OSHA investigates death of mechanic killed while working on vehicle<\/h3>\n

BAKERSFIELD, CA — Cal\/OSHA is investigating the death of a mechanic<\/a> who was killed last month while working on a vehicle. According to Cal\/OSHA, the mechanic was working under a vehicle on a car lift when the vehicle rolled back and pinned the employee against the lift equipment. The mechanic was pronounced dead at the scene. The mechanic, who was not named, was an employee of Motor City GMC.<\/p>\n

Laurel Shaken As Widely Shared Crash Clip Revives Grief Over DPW Worker\u2019s Death<\/h3>\n

LAUREL, MD — Laurel is once again in mourning after a Department of Public Works employee, identified to be Brian Bennett<\/strong>, died Friday after being struck while working behind a city vehicle<\/a> at Old Sandy Spring Road and Castle Court. Neighbors and city crews gathered at the scene as first responders worked, and portions of the road were closed while investigators photographed and documented evidence. The event appears in video footage that has been shared widely on local news feeds. A video posted on April 24 by DC News Now shows emergency crews at the corner and reports that the worker did not survive the collision. The clip has been republished by national aggregators and is driving renewed attention to roadside worker safety.<\/p>\n

Buffalo Grove High security staffer dies from injuries suffered in Tuesday crash<\/h3>\n

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — A Buffalo Grove High School security guard who suffered a traumatic brain injury while protecting students from a crash<\/a> during dismissal Tuesday afternoon has died, officials announced Friday night. Orlando Rivas<\/strong>, 52, of Buffalo Grove, is being remembered for \u201cthe extraordinary care and compassion\u201d he brought to his job each day, according to a news release from the Village of Buffalo Grove. \u201cMr. Rivas quickly became a trusted and familiar presence at our school, known for making students, families, and visitors feel welcomed, valued, and safe,\u201d said Principal Jeff Wardle. \u201cHis life was defined by service to others and a continued commitment to supporting and guiding young people. Life without him will be less bright.\u201d In his final moments, his act of \u201cquiet heroism\u201d won\u2019t be forgotten, the release added.<\/p>\n

Police identify worker who died after being trapped by forklift at East Nashville construction site<\/h3>\n

NASHVILLE, TN — The Metro Nashville Police Department has identified a man who tragically died after being trapped by a forklift at a construction site<\/a> in East Nashville. Police identified the man as 42-year-old Stephen Mattson<\/strong>. On Wednesday morning, the Nashville Fire Department responded to the construction site at 3015 Ambrose Avenue at about 10 a.m. after reports that a worker had become \u201cwedged\u201d between a forklift and another piece of machinery.<\/p>\n

Grain bin-related death reported in Mississippi County, Mo.<\/h3>\n

MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, MO — One person is dead after being trapped in a grain bin<\/a> in Mississippi County, Missouri. According to Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell, it happened about 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, east of East Prairie at the intersection of County Roads 519 and 521. The sheriff said multiple agencies responded to a grain bin where a victim was removed from the bin. The name of the victim is not being released at this time and no one else was hurt.<\/p>\n

Fla. firefighter dies battling brush fire as Southeast blazes spread<\/h3>\n

NAHUNTA, GA — A volunteer firefighter died battling a wildfire<\/a> in northern Florida while more than 120 homes have been destroyed in southeast Georgia and thousands more remain threatened by two large blazes, one of which investigators suspect was sparked by a foil balloon touching power lines, officials said Friday. An unusually large number of wildfires are burning this spring across the Southeast, where scientists say the threat of fire has been amplified by a combination of extreme drought, gusty winds, climate change and dead trees still littering some forests after being toppled by Hurricane Helene in 2024. In northern Florida, the Nassau County Sheriff\u2019s Office said Friday that volunteer firefighter James \u201cKevin\u201d Crews<\/strong> suffered an unspecified medical emergency while suppressing a brush fire. Crews was rushed to a hospital where he died Thursday evening, according to a news release posted to social media.<\/p>\n

Chicago hospital shooting: Suspect in custody kills officer, critically injures another, police say<\/h3>\n

CHICAGO, IL — A suspect who was already in custody shot two Chicago police officers<\/a> at a North Side hospital Saturday morning, killing one and critically wounding the other, authorities said. The unique grass-lifting airflow system vacuums grass upright for a cleaner cut, while effectively mulching leaves and grass. “I’m sad to say that we’ve lost another officer in the line of duty and another officer who’s been critically injured,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. The officer killed was identified as John Bartholomew<\/strong>, 38, by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.<\/p>\n

Highway worker killed in 2-vehicle crash while setting up cones on I-495, police say<\/h3>\n

OXON HILL, MD — A highway worker was killed after a two-vehicle crash<\/a> on Interstate 495 on Saturday morning, according to Maryland State Police. The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. when police responded to a two-vehicle crash on the inner loop of I-495, near exit 4 in Forestville. Emergency Response Personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration responded to the scene to assist with lane closures. Police believe the highway worker, later revealed to be Robert Dempsey<\/strong>, was out of his vehicle, setting up cones to assist with traffic control when he was struck by a vehicle. EMS personnel pronounced him dead on scene.\u00a0 The Maryland State Police Crash Team is on scene conducting an investigation.<\/p>\n

Deli worker shot and killed on the job in the East Village. Here’s what we know.<\/h3>\n

MANHATTAN, NY — The deadly shooting of a deli worker<\/a> late Saturday night in Lower Manhattan has left a community in mourning. Police say just after 11:30 p.m. officers responded to a 911 call in front of Sal’s Deli and Grocery on Avenue B and East 13th Street in the East Village and found the victim, identified as 28-year-old Abdul Saleh<\/strong>, with a gunshot wound to the torso. They also found a second man, also 28 years old and also with a gunshot wound to the torso. Both men were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where Saleh was pronounced dead. Police say the other man is recovering. The United Bodegas of America is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. “This is devastating for our community,” UBA President Radahmes Rodriguez said in a statement. “We are under threat in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Abdul was a hardworking family man serving his neighborhood, and this should never happen to anyone trying to earn a living. We urge anyone with information to come forward.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How workers died last week: electrocutions, tunnel collapse, explosion,\u00a0 falling, rollovers, brush fire, grain-bin, crushed by construction lift, vehicular collisions, shootings, medical emergency on-duty.\u00a0 On average, 100 workers die every week from traumatic injuries on the job in the United States.\u00a0More than 20 times as many die from occupational diseases, many due to exposure to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":13792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[195,144],"tags":[54,139,171,56,158,142,111,119,67,188,141,116,138,216,62,97,118,154,117,155,130,61,74,151,198],"class_list":["post-13768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-confined-space","category-weekly-toll","tag-alabama","tag-arizona","tag-arkansas","tag-california","tag-connecticut","tag-florida","tag-georgia","tag-idaho","tag-illinois","tag-kansas","tag-maryland","tag-massachusetts","tag-missouri","tag-nevada","tag-new-jersey","tag-new-york","tag-ohio","tag-oklahoma","tag-pennsylvania","tag-tennessee","tag-texas","tag-utah","tag-west-virginia","tag-wisconsin","tag-wyoming"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Negligence Just Keeps Piling Up: The Bi-Weekly Toll - 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