Despite improvements in workplace safety, workplace accidents continue to be a serious concern in Maryland and across the country. On average, four million Americans are injured on the job each year and over 500 people are killed in workplace accidents. Lapses in safety and a lack of safe procedures, especially in situations involving heavy equipment and machinery, are among the most common causes of serious injury and death in the workplace. Accidental workplace deaths are almost always preventable.
On April 13, a young worker was tragically killed in a workplace accident near Hagerstown, Maryland. He has been identified as a contract worker with the Purina Company.
The 25-year-old man died when he fell while he was clearing a machine at Purina Mills. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s office, the man fell into a “feeder line” at the plant, located at 11671 Hopewell Road. Emergency personnel responded to the incident around 4:30 p.m.
The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Division and the sheriff’s department are investigating the accident, according to a sheriff’s office investigator.
Purina Mills, a major supplier of pet food, is known for its Purina Puppy Chow and other pet food products. A spokesperson from Purina stated that the cause of this workplace accident is being investigated by the Purina Company as well as authorities.
According to the accident victim’s Facebook page, he was the president and CEO of his own firewood company. He was also a student, studying business administration at Kaplan University.
Source: PublicOpinionOnline.com, “Mercersburg area man killed at Maryland Purina plant,” 4/14/2011
