Matthew Maynard tragically dies at cement mixing facility

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Matthew Maynard, a 33-year-old Burrillville man, tragically died Oct. 21 in a workplace accident at Greenville Ready Mix.

Maynard was performing maintenance on a cement truck when he got caught in the truck’s hopper, according to a local news report.

Authorities with both the Smithfield Police Department and Smithfield Fire Department responded to the scene at about 9:50 a.m. The incident was also reported to OSHA for investigation.

COMMENTARY ON WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS

I am troubled to learn of Mr. Maynard’s awful on-the-job accident. His life has been cut short when it was just getting started.

Fatal workplace accidents are quite common in the United States; more than 5300 workers lost their lives on the job in 2019, which equates to a little more than 100 per week, according to OSHA. However, generally speaking, an accident of this nature is fairly uncommon. One has to wonder what went wrong.

In the last 50 years, OSHA has implemented stringent safety standards and protocols that have made a significant impact in reducing the number of serious accidents and fatalities across the country. I have to wonder whether industry standards were being met in this accident? Were employees receiving proper training? Could there have been a mechanical malfunction? These questions and others cannot be answered from the scant details in the accident report. It is comforting to know that OSHA is conducting a thorough investigation to discover more information.

I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Maynard’s family and loved ones.

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