Losing a loved one is always a traumatic experience, but when it happens during the holidays, it seems even worse. Such a tragedy hit the family of a 41-year-old man who lost his life in an on-the-job accident on a recent Tuesday morning. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation, just as the agency does for all construction accidents in which workers lose their lives.

According to a report by authorities, the incident occurred on a construction site in Haverhill, which is on the New Hampshire state line. Very few details were made available, except that the man fell down an elevator shaft. Reportedly, he was working on a nine-story building’s roof when the accident occurred.

The worker succumbed to his injuries before he could be taken to the hospital. There is no indication of whether he wore a fall harness that could have arrested his fall, nor does the report state whether there was any guardrail or another type of protection to prevent falls down the elevator shaft. These issues will likely form part of the OSHA investigation.

Families in New Hampshire who find themselves in similar circumstances after fatal construction accidents might find comfort in knowing that financial assistance is available through the state-regulated workers’ compensation insurance system. Further help is available from an attorney who has experience in dealing with workers’ compensation benefits claims. The program typically pays compensation to cover end-of-life expenses along with a financial package to make up for lost wages.