Georgia man dies in workplace accident – right hand 

A Georgia Department of Labor spokesman said the agency is looking into a workplace death that occurred at Pratt Industries in Conyers. While operating a wood chip processing machine, a 31-year-old employee at the company was pulled into the machine and killed. Because the other employees were looking for the man for some time, it is not known how long he was trapped in the machine.

After employees discovered the man, the local police department was alerted and arrived at the scene at approximately 6:30 p.m. The coroner followed about a half hour later to confirm that the man had died in the work accident. According to the coroner, the victim got his right hand trapped in the conveyor belt before being pulled into the roller point. The man then suffered from critical injuries to his arm, shoulder, hands and back and appears to have suffocated.

Following the fatal accident, a spokesman for Pratt Industries released a public statement offering their condolences to the victim’s family. He went on to say that it was a very sad day for all Pratt employees. Pratt Industries is a paper and packaging company that was originally founded in Australia. Recently, the company began a new solid waste and recycling partnership with the city.

After an OSHA investigation is conducted, evidence may reveal whether or not the fatal accident was the result of a negligent employer. Even if the employer was not directly at fault in the accident, however, the victim’s family members may still seek benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim. The spouse, children or parents of the deceased victim are entitled to file a claim.