Rancho Mirage Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Learning that a loved one suffered a fatal on-the-job injury is not something wished on anybody. Workplace accidents happen at any time, and a California family had to deal with such trauma as they greeted the New Year. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, they responded to a Sun Valley business after receiving an emergency call at about 8 a.m. on Dec. 31.

Upon arrival, first responders found a worker who was trapped underneath a car that had fallen off the floor jack on which it was raised. Although the rescue workers managed to extricate the worker from under the vehicle quickly, he had already succumbed to his injuries. The company reported that the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health had been informed of the fatality.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health recently reported its findings on an investigation into a June incident when a driver became trapped in his overturned truck. After conflicting reports by the contracted driver, the construction company and witnesses, Cal/OSHA concluded that the company was responsible for conditions that caused the driver to rush and endanger his life by operating his concrete truck at an unsafe speed. Finding the truth behind some construction workers' accidents can be challenging.

Reportedly, the subcontractor had to deliver mixed concrete to a site that was accessed by backing the concrete truck up a ramp. The truck operator reported that the time required to offload the wet cement exceeded the available time left before the mix would be spoiled and be rejected by inspectors. Also, he claimed no flagger was available to direct him as he backed up the ramp that provided limited space for maneuvering the massive 10-wheeled vehicle.

The last thing wished on any family during the holidays is losing a loved one in circumstances that might have been prevented. According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health compliance with safety regulations can prevent workplace accidents, but sadly, lives continue to be lost on construction sites. A recent incident claimed the life of a 39-year-old resident from Woodland.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on a recent Monday shortly before 3 p.m. on one of the two Marin Islands that form part of the Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The worker was part of a crew involved in a demolition project. Under the circumstances yet to be determined, a stone and concrete retaining wall collapsed onto him.

California workers in many industries have jobs that require proper lifting techniques. Safety authorities say a significant percentage of workplace injuries involve back injuries that could have been prevented. Many workers do not realize that once they hurt their backs, second and subsequent injuries are more likely, which could cause life-long discomfort or even chronic pain. The damage done to their backs over the years can make basic movements such as getting out of a chair or bed a struggle as they get older.

Employers must remind employees frequently about the fact that each lift requires safe techniques. Workers for whom lifting and carrying objects are par for the course might become complacent and desensitized to the fact that repetitive lifting and rotating, twisting and bending of the spine is dangerous. Taking regular breaks and alternating lifting and carrying with other less physical tasks might reduce the chances of back injuries.