A man was killed last Thursday, October 1, at his workplace when he was crushed by a forklift in Harris County. The tragic industrial accident was at the Tenaris Coiled Tubes location at E. Sam Houston Parkway near Tidwell.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the early morning accident happened when the unidentified worker was struck by his own forklift when it rolled forward, and crushing him against a large industrial spool.

Tenaris released a statement that the worker had been employed by them for 7 years. They also said, “We are collaborating with local authorities as well as conducting our own investigation.”

Tenaris is a global supplier of tubes and other services primarily for the energy industry. Houston, Texas is their North American headquarters.

It is likely that the investigation will determine whether Tenaris or the forklift manufacturer may be liable for this tragic accident. If the killed man had left the forklift in the “parked” position, they will need to determine if there may be a defect which caused the equipment to roll forward. Also they will investigate if proper training was provided, including what hazards could be inherent by using the forklift.

Depending on the final investigative reports, either the forklift manufacturer or the worker’s company could find themselves involved in a wrongful death lawsuit. Employers are required by law to provide a safe work environment. If they did not follow the law, they could be considered liable for the death.

In a statement from OSHA released September 17, 2015, 4,679 U.S. workers died on the job in 2014.

“Far too many people are still killed on the job – 13 workers every day taken from their families tragically and unnecessarily. These numbers underscore the urgent need for employers to provide a safe workplace for their employees as the law requires,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez.

D. Miller & Associates Helps Injured Workers

We have represented injured workers and their families in many job related accidents ranging from plant explosions to slip and falls. You are urged to contact our accident attorneys as soon as possible if injured at your workplace. Because D. Miller & Associates offers a free evaluation of your situation, you will find out immediately if you might qualify for a financial claim, even if you are covered by workers compensation. Please contact us now for your free, no obligation consultation.