OSHA investigating after suburban man killed in forklift accident

(ELK GROVE VILLAGE) A 22-year-old man died Friday afternoon in a forklift mishap while unloading a truck at his workplace at a northwest suburban facility.

At 2:47 p.m., Daniel Blatz died at 1201 Estes Ave. in Elk Grove Village, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

He was employed by Works Electronic Services, which is located at that address, according to Rhonda Burke, a spokeswoman for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Initial reports indicate Blatz was fatally injured when he was caught between the vehicle he was operating and the dock, Burke said. The vehicle was being used to unload a truck at the time.

Blatz, of the 1400 block of Karen Drive in West Dundee, suffered multiple blunt-force injuries and his death was ruled an accident, authorities said.

The company recycles and refurbishes electronics, according to its website.

OHSA officials have initiated an inspection of the facility, Burke said.

Elk Grove Village police did not reply to requests for comment.

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