With the exception of the occasional
news headline and workplace safety advertisements, workplace deaths are largely
unnoticed, unless they have been particularly traumatic or linked to some sort
of disruption, as was the case of the Longford fatalities of September 1998 and
the subsequent gas crisis.
As is often the situation, the horror
of a workplace death defies description. With traumatic deaths, the victims
typically suffer horrendous injuries. There have been numerous traumatic
industrial deaths as the result of being crushed, burned, dismembered, falling
from heights, being dragged into machinery and electrocutions.
The emotional and physical toll of a
workplace death on families and workmates is incredible. Some turn to alcohol
and others turn to drugs. Many people experience nightmares,
insomnia, agoraphobia, rage, suicidal thoughts, lethargy, chest pains, eating
disorders, chronic depression, stress disorders, weight loss, weight gain and
erratic behaviour.
The investigative and legal processes
involved in circumstances of a traumatic workplace death are long and
protracted and can actually extend for quite a number of years.
Often, families of victims of
workplace deaths have first heard of the death of their loved one as a result
of media coverage, prior to any official notification. The shock of discovery is
overwhelming, as is the shock of the injuries sustained. There is also the shock
of the realisation that there will never be a chance to say goodbye. Someone has
gone to work in the morning, has been killed on the job, and will never come
home again.
