Industrial accident at Hi-Lex Corp. kills worker

2010-01-07 03:50:54 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Personal Injury)

Legal News for Michigan Personal Injury Attorneys. Man died after being involved in a work-place accident in the Fort Custer Industrial Park.

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigates fatal industrial accident that killed worker.

Battle Creek, MI—An employee at Hi-Lex Corporation was the victim of an industrial accident that left him fatally injured on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, reports the Battle Creek Enquirer. Hi-Lex Corp. is located in the Fort Custer Industrial Park at 5200 Wayne Road.

The tragic work-place incident allegedly occurred around 10:45 a.m. when 52-year-old John Barlow, a production operator employed by the company for 25 years, was operating a stand-up forklift. He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical professionals. Reports show that police investigators and company officials seem to disagree on how the accident occurred. An autopsy was to be conducted at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, which could reveal what may have caused his on-the-job death.

It was stated that investigators from the Battle Creek Police Department believe that when he was using the machinery when a pile of empty 4-foot by 4-foot plastic bins began to fall over. Investigators allegedly suppose Barlow may have attempted to avoid the bins but was struck at some point, knocking him to the side of the forklift. This may have trapped his leg as the machine moved, subsequently crushing him between another pile of bins and the forklift after being dragged. Hi-Lex officials on the other hand, allegedly do not believe that the worker was dragged by the heavy-machinery.

The Hi-Lex human resources manager reported stated that the company is currently cooperating with an official from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) in an attempt to figure out what may have caused the fatal industrial accident.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers.