MINNEHAHA COUNTY, S.D. — Marsha Ann Jaros, a 49-year-old Dell Rapids woman, was killed Oct. 29 in a suspected vehicle accident while working at D&K Lawn Care.
A front-end loader hit Jaros at the worksite, located in the 4000 block of North National Avenue, according to a local news article.
The incident was reported to the Sioux Falls Police Department at about 9:30 a.m. Police used drones to map the area and do not suspect that drugs or alcohol factored into the accident.
The accident is under investigation of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA has six months to complete its investigation and issue penalties and fines should violations of federal workplace regulations be discovered.
No additional details about the accident were immediately released.
COMMENTARY ON THE MARSHA ANN JAROS ACCIDENT
I am saddened to learn of Ms. Jaros’ tragic on-the-job accident. Based on the information released, she was just doing her job when a front-end loader hit her. How heartbreaking that her life abruptly ended in her prime due to an unfortunate work-related disaster.
During the last 50 years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented stringent safety standards and protocols that have made a significant impact in reducing the number of serious accidents and fatalities in the workplace across the country. Despite their efforts, fatal workplace accidents are still more common in the United States than you might expect. For example, more than 5,300 workers lost their lives on the job in 2019, which equates to a little more than 100 per week or 15 per day, according to OSHA.
One cannot help but wonder what went wrong on this jobsite. Were there safety standards that were not being met? Were employees receiving adequate training? Was there a mechanical malfunction? These questions and others cannot be ascertained from the sparse details that have been publicly released. A detailed investigation must be conducted to determine exactly what caused this young woman to lose her life.
I have seen much of the heartbreak and disruption caused by fatal work accidents while representing families in very similar situations during the last 30+ years. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones that Ms. Jaros’ left behind.
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.
