Industrial machine shops nationwide pose an endless number of safety hazards to workers. California is no exception, and employers have to comply with multiple safety regulations to protect workers from the dangers they face when operating equipment in such environments. Industrial accidents can cause catastrophic injuries.
In addition to protecting workers against the moving parts of machines by installing proper guarding, workers must be protected against falling objects. The fire department of Vallejo recently rushed to the industrial machine shop of an engineering company after a workplace accident was reported. At about 11 a.m. on a recent Monday morning, a steel beam fell from a cradle. It struck a worker against his legs, causing crushing injuries.
The worker was transported to a trauma center. The severity of his injuries and his condition at the time of the media report were not published. An investigation by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Department will determine whether this man’s injuries were the result of his employer’s disregard of safety regulations.
California workers who have suffered injuries in industrial accidents are entitled to pursue financial relief through the workers’ compensation insurance fund. Benefits commonly cover medical expenses and some level of compensation for lost income. In cases in which workplace injuries cause permanent or partial disability, additional compensation will be considered. Typically, a seriously injured worker — or the family of a deceased worker killed in an on-the-job accident — chooses to retain the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to handle the claims process.
Source: kron4.com, “Cal-OSHA investigating Mare Island accident“, Annie Andersen, July 3, 2015
