News Summary
Burrillville, Rhode Island, faces growing concerns over workplace safety following three tragic fatalities involving construction workers. The deaths highlight the dangers of the construction industry and emphasize the need for stringent safety measures. A 64-year-old man fell at a job site, while two others died in separate accidents involving heavy machinery. As investigations unfold, OSHA is stepping in to review safety protocols and prevent further incidents.
Burrillville, Rhode Island – Concerns have risen regarding workplace safety after three recent work-related fatalities in the area, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by construction workers and the necessity for proper safety measures on job sites.
On Saturday, a 64-year-old man named Robert Leech from North Smithfield tragically died while working on a construction site at 1249 Sherman Farm Road. Leech fell approximately 10 feet through a basement stairway opening and struck his head on the concrete floor. Emergency responders found him unresponsive at the scene. Despite being transported to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Authorities are treating this incident as an accidental death and have indicated that no foul play is suspected. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting a workplace safety review in light of the incident.
Leech has been remembered by family members and through a GoFundMe fundraiser as a hardworking individual with a big heart and a great sense of humor. Funeral services for Leech have not yet been announced.
In a separate incident on the same day, 52-year-old James Haczynski was killed in another construction accident. Haczynski was operating a telehandler, known locally as a Lull machine, to help guide a large tree as it was being cut down. Following the shift of the tree, the telehandler overturned, pinning Haczynski beneath it. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office and OSHA have been notified regarding this fatality, and investigations continue to establish the details surrounding the accident.
Adding to the string of tragic accidents, 33-year-old Matthew Maynard lost his life while working at the Greenville Ready Mix company in Smithfield. Maynard was performing maintenance on a cement truck when he became trapped in the truck’s hopper. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear. Family members, who have expressed concern over the unusual nature of the incident given Maynard’s cautious habit at work, are seeking answers regarding his passing. Maynard was set to marry his fiancé, Fallon Dupre, the following Halloween weekend. A memorial service for him is planned for Friday evening in Woonsocket, and his family is preparing to file litigation to seek compensation for his death.
These three fatalities have cast a spotlight on the safety regulations and practices at work sites, particularly in the construction industry. The involvement of OSHA in the ongoing investigations highlights the need for heightened safety protocols to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future. As the investigations proceed, communities in Rhode Island and beyond are reminded of the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for all employees.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
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