ALLEN COUNTY, Ohio — Patrick Archer, a 50-year-old Ada man, tragically died Nov. 3 while working at a Ford Motor Co. engine plant in Lima.
Ford declined to publicly release any information about how the accident occurred, but officials with the Allen County Sheriff’s Office told local news outlets that Archer was injured by mechanical equipment inside the facility and succumbed to his injuries on site.
Officials with the sheriff’s office arrived at the plant after 7 p.m. Ford and the sheriff’s office said they are investigating the accident.
No additional information has been released.
COMMENTARY ON THE PATRICK ARCHER ACCIDENT IN LIMA, OHIO
I am disheartened to learn of Mr. Archer’s terrible on-the-job accident and the loss of life that his family is left to grieve. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.
Fatal workplace accidents are more common than you might expect in the United States. More than 5,300 workers, about 15 per day, died on the job in 2019, according to OSHA. Accidents like this one are among the leading causes of workplace fatalities and are usually preventable. 
OSHA has established and implemented strict safety standards designed to reduce on-the-job injuries. Accidents like this one leave me contemplating whether OSHA’s standards were being adhered to. While I believe most corporations seek to protect their workers from unintended accidents, I have seen too many preventable accidents to rule out corporate negligence as a potential cause of this accident.
I have handled countless workplace accident during my 30-year career that, on first brush, appear to be the fault of the employee. However, upon further investigation, it becomes apparent that the responsible corporation failed to implement proven safety standards designed to reduce the risk of death. A detailed investigation should be conducted to determine the root cause of Mr. Archer’s death. In the meantime, I will continue to do what I can to raise awareness about the need for increased safety measures in our nation’s workplaces.
I wish only the best for Mr. Archer’s loved ones left behind to grieve and navigate the legal jungle they have been suddenly thrust into.
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