California workers are likely aware that unanticipated workplace accidents can happen at any time. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating a workplace accident that caused severe injuries to a worker in another state. The county sheriff reported that it was an accident on the job that occurred on a recent December afternoon and involved a truck driver. It was said that the worker was delivering storage containers to a storage-pod facility.
The accident report states that the 38-year-old female truck driver was unloading a container that weighed 5 tons. The container was apparently secured by a strap that got tangled. In her attempt to undo the knots in the strap, the strap gave way, and the massive storage pod fell onto the woman. Employees at the business where she was delivering the container reportedly lifted the storage pod off of the crushed worker using a forklift.
She was transported to the hospital with injuries to her legs and pelvis, along with severe internal trauma. Upon arrival at the hospital, she was taken for emergency surgery. At the time of the media report, the worker remained in a critical condition and was scheduled for additional surgery.
Workers in California who have been involved in an accident on the job are entitled to claim benefits from the workers’ compensation insurance fund. If a worker suffers injuries while he or she is on duty, a claim may be filed, regardless of whether the accident happened at his or her workplace or another location. The benefits commonly cover medical expenses and lost income, along with additional compensation if the workplace injuries cause temporary or permanent disability.
Source: orlandosentinel.com, “Casselberry trucker critical after being crushed by 5-ton storage pod in N.Y.“, Kevin P. Connolly and Martin E. Comas, Dec. 12, 2014
