Cory Umgelder Died In Morris Industrial Accident At Narvick Cement Plant

Unsafe Premises - April 16, 2024

Investigation Underway After Cement Plant Worker Cory Umgelder Died In Grundy County Industrial Accident At Narvick Cement Plant on Route 6 —> GoFundMe Created To Support Worker’s Family

GRUNDY COUNTY, ILLINOIS (April 16, 2024) – A 44-year-old Odell worker identified as Cory Umgelder has tragically died in an industrial accident at the Narvick Cement Plant.

Grundy County officials are saying that the incident took place on Wednesday morning. Cory Umgelder was working with another man at the time of the accident.

Both workers were maneuvering a large drum with a fin attached to it. While attempting to free up the fin and shaft, the entire unit broke free, and one worker was knocked to the base of the drum.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Cory Umgelder was pulled from a confined space and taken to Morris Hospital.

Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing at this time. The worker is survived by his wife and three children.

You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe. According to the GoFundMe page, “Cory was a loving husband, son, brother, and an incredible father to his 3 children Justin, Madelyn, and Andi. […] It is in times of sadness and loss when people can come together to help one another make it through. Any support you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Please keep Cory’s family and children in your thoughts and prayers.”

Liability For Grundy County Industrial Accidents

Despite continued improvements to workplace safety standards, job sites can still be incredibly dangerous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “There were 5,486 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2022, a 5.7-percent increase from 5,190 in 2021. The fatal work injury rate was 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, up from 3.6 per 100,000 FTE in 2021.” Companies should take a number of steps to prevent industrial accidents.

• Risk Assessment: Companies should work to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This could include machinery, chemicals, and fall hazards.
• Training: All workers should be given extensive training in safety procedures, equipment operation, and emergency protocols.
• Maintenance: All workers should be given the safety equipment that they need, including personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), when they work at heights.
• Compliance: Companies should do everything in their power to adhere to all laws and regulations for workplace safety.

When a worker is injured or killed in Illinois, their family is protected by a number of laws. In particular, a worker’s family will typically have recourse through worker’s compensation. In Illinois, worker’s compensation operates through a no-fault system. In other words, there is no need for an injured worker or their family to show that one or more parties were at fault. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be third-party liability for any workplace accident.

A third-party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributes to an accident. The company that created the equipment workers’s use could potentially be liable for an accident. Corporations that manufacture equipment have a legal obligation to make sure that it is reasonably safe. In many situations, pieces of machinery may lack required safety features, such as guards, which could contribute to an accident. Several steps should be taken after any workplace accident.

• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• The equipment involved in the accident should be reviewed.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• An OSHA investigation should be conducted.

Many workplace accidents are preventable. They often involve situations where the environment at a job site might not be safe. At the end of the day, evidence will ultimately reveal how an accident took place. It is very important for victims of workplace accidents and their families to understand that they do have rights.

Investigating Grundy County Industrial Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Cory Umgelder. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough investigation into what happened and that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this. No one working hard to provide for their family should fear for their life when they show up to their job.

Do you need more information about a Grundy County industrial accident? Our team of workplace safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.