Who should be contacted in the case of workplace deaths?

In cases of workplace deaths, it is imperative to contact the chief medical examiner. The chief medical examiner plays a critical role in investigating deaths that occur under suspicious, unusual, or violent circumstances, including those in the workplace. This office is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death, which can be essential in understanding whether any legal or safety protocols were violated and if there are broader implications for workplace safety and regulations.

While the occupational health department may have a role in assessing workplace safety and health standards, and local emergency services may initially respond to the incident, the chief medical examiner is specifically tasked with official death investigations. Federal labor standards offices may be contacted regarding issues of compliance with labor laws, but they do not directly handle investigations into fatalities. Thus, reaching out to the chief medical examiner is the appropriate procedure to ensure that the death is thoroughly and properly examined in accordance with legal requirements.