Christopher Raul dies in workplace accident at Johnson Controls

YORK COUNTY, Penn. — Christopher Raul tragically lost his life Oct. 25 in a workplace accident at Johnson Controls in East Manchester Township.

Raul, 20, was pinned under a piece of equipment at the facility that a co-worker eventually helped move off of him, according to a local news article. He was transported to Wellspan York Hospital where he later died.

An investigation into his death is ongoing, and no additional details about the accident have been released.

COMMENTARY ON WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS

I am troubled to learn of Mr. Raul’s horrific on-the-job accident. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Raul’s family and loved ones.

Fatal accidents in the workplace are more common in the United States than you might expect. In 2019, over 5300 workers died on the job, which equates to roughly 100 per week or 15 per day, according to OSHA. Accidents like this one are the second leading cause of workplace fatalities, second only to construction mishaps.

Over the last five decades, OSHA has established and implemented strident safety standards and procedures that have reduced the number of serious accidents and fatalities across the country. Could there have been safety standards that were not being observed? Were employees being properly trained? Might there have been an equipment malfunction? We cannot discern the cause of the accident from the sparse details in the news report. However, it is reassuring to know that OSHA is conducting a thorough investigation to get answers.

I have seen much of the devastation caused by fatal work accidents over the last 30 years in my profession as a personal injury attorney. I have represented many families in almost identical situations to those that Mr. Raul’s find themselves in. I continue to be astonished at the strength and courage displayed by those left behind to carry on while at the same time trying to traverse the legal jungle they are unexpectedly plunged into.

I wish only the best for those left behind to grieve.

Disclaimer: At Ammons Law, we are constantly seeking to improve the quality and safety of our roads and highways. We post these articles to help improve safety within our community. 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.