When people think of accidents involving railroad workers, they often think of accidents involving train crashes and collisions. However, workers can be injured even when a train isn’t even moving. A recent accident in New York was a tragic reminder of this.
According to reports, a 50-year-old worker was killed when he fell into a train car loaded with fertilizer. The car was uncovered and witnesses believe that the fertilizer might have gotten jammed when they were unloading it. The worker may have been trying to unclog the fertilizer by climbing into the car or he could have fallen in accidentally and was trapped.
People fail to recognize the fact that cargo on trains can present a serious hazard to the safety of railroad workers. However, the fact is that trains regularly carry toxic and/or heavy cargo that can pose a serious threat to people’s safety, even when it is contained inside a train car.
Whenever a worker is hurt or killed in an accident involving train cargo, it is crucial that the incident is thoroughly investigated. It could be revealed that the train was improperly loaded or that certain precautions were not taken to protect workers. Under these circumstances, it could be argued that the accident should have been prevented.
It is not yet known if the man’s family will pursue damages in a legal claim, but it is possible that they will do so. Either way, this accident might be considered a grim reminder that railroad workers can and do get injured on the job. When that happens, it can be crucial that they and their families explore their options for seeking damages and holding a negligent party accountable.