AVON, MASSACHUSETTS (October 1, 2025) – A 28-year-old man identified as David Morais has tragically died in an Avon industrial accident at Materia Millwork on Bodwell Street.
Norfolk County officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:56 p.m. on Tuesday. David Morais was moving a stack of plywood when he suffered a major head injury.
It remains unclear if the plywood fell on top of him. Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. Sadly, David Morais was pronounced dead at the scene.
A full investigation into the fatal accident at Materia Millwork remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Norfolk County Industrial Accidents
Workers have a legal right to work in a reasonably safe environment. In most workplace accidents, workers will be barred from bringing negligence claims against their employers. Instead, most workplace accidents will be covered through the MA workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help injured workers, regardless of how an accident took place. An injured worker or surviving family members may also be able to pursue third-party liability claims. There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any workplace accident.
- Plywood Manufacturers: The company that manufactured a stack of plywood could be liable for an accident if it was defective or somehow improperly packed.
- Contractors: Industrial businesses can have a variety of contractors and subcontractors that must all work together for some common purpose. If a worksite was in an unsafe condition, the entity responsible for site safety could bear some legal responsibility.
- Forklift Manufacturers: It is extremely common for forklifts to be used to transport heavy items across industrial sites. The company that made a forklift could be liable for an accident if it lacked the required safety features.
Many workplace accidents involve poorly maintained or outright defective forklifts. In particular, these devices may lack adequate safety guards that allow falling cargo to hit operators. Another common problem is that they may lack proper rollover protection structures (ROPS). It is important to consider all of the circumstances that may have contributed to any particular accident. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be several liable parties.
Steps to Take After a Massachusetts Industrial Accident
Many people are killed or seriously injured every year in workplace accidents. According to the National Safety Council,
“Over 2021-2022, overexertion and bodily reaction had the most DART cases at 1,001,440, followed by contact with objects and equipment with 780,690 cases, falls, slips, trips with 674,100 cases, and exposure to harmful substances or environments with 658,240 cases.”
It is important that certain steps are taken after any of these accidents.
- Police Investigation: The police should be called to the scene as early as possible. They can make their initial assessment on what may have gone wrong.
- Evidence Preservation: Steps should be taken to preserve key pieces of evidence that may have contributed to the accident.
- OSHA Report: The report that OSHA creates after the accident should be carefully reviewed. It can reveal key details on what led up to the accident.
- Incident Review: Any workplace accident should be reviewed by someone who has extensive knowledge of safety regulations and product liability claims.
Many workplace accidents are entirely preventable. They tend to involve situations where numerous safety protocols are not being followed. There are a number of regulations specifically related to the use of forklifts. Drivers must get an appropriate license and undergo extensive training. The family of any person who died in a workplace accident may be able to see some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Norfolk County Workplace Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of David Morais. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies down the road.
Do you need more information about injuries resulting from an industrial accident? Our team of workplace accident investigators is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that businesses take proper measures to keep workers safe. Whether you have questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular workplace accident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime online!