Simon Barrera Merino killed at Minneapolis recycling facility

HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. — Simon Barrera Merino, a 42-year-old Richfield man, tragically died Oct. 15 in a forklift accident at the Pioneer Paper Stock facility in Minneapolis.

Merino succumbed to blunt force head and chest injuries at about 1:40 p.m. on the day of the accident, according to a local news report.

OSHA and the Minneapolis Police Department are investigating the workplace death. Neither agency released additional information.

Pioneer Paper Stock is a paper recycling company that operates as part of Pioneer Industries International, which is based in Itasca, Illinois. The company has not issued a statement on the man’s death.

COMMENTARY ON WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS

I am saddened to learn of Mr. Merino’s tragic forklift accident. I have represented many clients across the nation who have been involved in similar mishaps. I have witnessed firsthand the suffering and anguish by the families and loved ones of the deceased. I continue to be encouraged by the efforts of those left behind to wrestle through their grief and carry on.

Serious forklift accidents are not uncommon. According to OSHA, nearly 100,000 forklift mishaps occur each year. Fortunately, only a small percentage of forklift accidents are fatal, according to OSHA data. With proper training, most forklift accidents are preventable, and severity can be reduced.

The information released by authorities on this accident does not enable one to discern the cause of this terrible event. A detailed investigation must be conducted to determine what factors may have contributed to the accident and whether company negligence may come into play.

My sincere condolences go out to Mr. Merino’s family and loved ones.

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.