SCOTT COUNTY, Iowa – Dylan Kaczinski, a 27-year-old Camanche man, died Nov. 11 while working for a commercial concrete contractor in Eldridge.
The Eldridge Police Department, Eldridge Fire Department and Medic responded to KE Flatwork at about 2:40 p.m. for a 911 call regarding the injured employee, according to a local news report.
Medic and Eldridge Fire performed life saving measures, but Kaczinski ultimately died at the scene of the accident.
Eldridge Police did not suspect foul play and turned the accident investigation over to OSHA. Authorities have yet to release any information about how the accident occurred.
COMMENTARY ON THE DYLAN KACZINSKI ACCIDENT AT KE FLATWORK
I was saddened to learn of Mr. Kaczinski’s fatal workplace accident. This young man was just getting started in life. Employed in a high-demand, short-supply industry, he would have had the expectation of a long and prosperous career. It is tragic that it was suddenly and unexpectedly cut short so early.
Authorities have not released any information as to the nature of the accident or what caused it. Fortunately, according to the report, foul play is not suspected. Nevertheless, we are left to wonder just what happened and why. In my 30 years of experience as a wrongful death and personal injury attorney, it seems the most common accidents in concrete pours usually involve either being struck by a falling object or being struck by a vehicle.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), in due course, will investigate the accident fully to answer the many questions this unfortunate accident leaves in the minds of co-workers, family, and friends. For example, was this accident caused by human error? Is there culpability on the part of a co-worker or the employer?
OSHA has implemented strident safety standards, policies, and procedures that have made a dramatic impact in lowering the number of serious accidents and fatalities in the workplace all across the country over the last 50 years or so. In 1970, workplace fatalities averaged 38 per day. However, despite their best efforts, fatal workplace accidents continue to be more common in the United States than they need to be. For example, in 2019 more than 5,300 workers lost their lives on the job, which amounts to a little more than 15 per day or about 100 per week, according to one report by OSHA.
As a concerned citizen, and as a conscientious professional, I will continue to research, write, and comment to alert the public and the powers that be to make our workplaces safer.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Kaczinki’s family, friends, and co-workers.
Disclaimer: All of the information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
