Modesto Worker Compensation Law Blog

Fatal workplace injuries from malfunctioning wind machine

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in Workplace Injuries on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

A California family is grieving the loss of a loved one after a fatal accident on a citrus farm. The Wonderful Citrus orchard, located in Tulare County, employs the use of wind machines to bring in warmer air into their facilities on nights when the temperatures drop. In a seemingly random incident, a 600-pound blade came off one of these huge machines, striking the worker and leaving him with serious workplace injuries that eventually resulted in his death.

The worker was attempting to turn off the machine at the time the accident happened. According to the brother of the deceased, the machine vibrated strongly, then a blade came loose. The worker tried to avoid being struck, but he was hit with significant force. Others found him conscious on the ground after the accident, and it appeared he had no external injuries. He later died from blunt force trauma.

Workplace injuries and the threat of lead exposure at work

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in Workplace Injuries on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.

There are many things that can compromise the health and safety of California workers. From hazards that increase the chance of an accident to exposure to dangerous materials, employers have the responsibility of making the workplace as safe as possible to avoid workplace injuries and illnesses. One way to do this is to protect workers from exposure to harmful levels of lead.

Just last year, the governor of California vetoed a bill that would have increased some protections for workers who may be exposed to lead in the workplace. Many employees in various types of jobs may come into contact with lead, and this can have a detrimental impact on a person's long-term health. While the proposed measures to protect workers did not pass in 2018, state lawmakers will try again with a new one in 2019.

Construction workers' accidents: Family loses father this holiday

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in construction workers' accidents on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.

It is never a good time of the year to lose a loved one. However, the loss of a loved during the holidays is all the more difficult and sad. California workers may be saddened to learn of one family's loss this holiday season in one of the country's recent fatal construction workers' accidents.

Few details of the accident have been reported during the pending police investigation. One of his surviving daughters reported the heartbreak her family and mother are feeling this holiday season with the sudden loss of her father. Reportedly, her father suffered fatal injuries after falling down an elevator shaft on a construction site.

Preventing workplace accidents: Good for employees and employers

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in Workplace Accidents on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

California employers have the responsibility of making a workplace as safe as reasonably possible. Taking even the most basic of steps to implement safety measures and avoid incidents can keep workers safe and avoid the chance of preventable workplace accidents. It's also good for the employer's bottom line as well. Workplace safety is in the best physical, legal and financial interests of everyone.

Workplace injuries and accidents on job sites can be quite expensive for employers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration encourages employers to implement safety standards as a way to lower their spending and cut costs. Workplace safety challenges come in many forms, but one of the primary concerns is making sure electrical systems are up-to-date and having safety protocols in place.

Know your rights after a workplace injury

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson on Monday, December 3, 2018.

There is no easy way to deal with an injury, especially when it happens on the job. Not only do you have to go through the reality of seeing your coworkers watch you get injured, but you then have to turn around and seek compensation for those injuries through your employer's insurance.

Many times, an injury on the job triggers an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This can worry workers, because they may feel that employers who are fined or penalized will be less likely to want to help with workers' compensation. The good news is that retaliation or the prevention of seeking workers' compensation benefits is illegal.

Construction workers' accidents: Man killed at windy job site

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in construction workers' accidents on Thursday, November 29, 2018.

California companies and contractors are often under a lot of pressure to complete a job on time. Despite code enforcement and permit requirements, safety policies are sometimes disregarded in effort to speed up work. Sadly, when safety is ignored, construction workers' accidents can occur, resulting in serious work injuries and/or death. One family in another state has suffered unexpected grief during the holidays following a father's death on a work site that may have been unsafe.

The 44-year-old father of four was working on a construction site with two of his sons when the accident occurred. Reportedly, investigators believe that a forklift carrying a wall for the building tipped over and crashed onto the worker. Sadly, the man's sons witnessed the accident and were the ones who pulled him from under the wall debris.

Construction workers' accidents: Family seeks funds for funeral

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in construction workers' accidents on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

Crowd fundraising websites have become popular in recent years to raise money for just about anything an individual can think of to request financial help. It is often used when individuals receive news that they require expensive medical treatment or a family member suffers the sudden loss of a loved one. When fatal construction workers' accidents occur on the job, families may also be entitled to workers' compensation death benefits, which may provide some compensation in addition to funds from family and friends. Sadly, one California family recently lost their loved one during an unfortunate accident at a construction site and has turned to crowdfunding to help with burial expenses.

Due to a pending investigation, very few details have been released about the accident and the events preceding it. The accident occurred at the construction site of a shop building for a high school. The shop building project is estimated as a $3.5 million building project.

Construction workers' accidents: Company fined for violations

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in construction workers' accidents on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

It is difficult to deny the impact that invention and improvement of various tools over the years have had on the construction field. While various tools may enable workers to finish a job in an efficient and timely manner, if not used properly, they can result in serious construction workers' accidents. The California Department of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently concluded an investigation involving an employee who was injured by a nail gun tool.

The accident occurred to an employee earlier this year while transporting a nail gun. Reportedly, the employee was walking with the nail gun in his hand with his finger on the trigger. In the process, the gun fired and went through his leg, resulting in a serious injury. Because of the severity of the injury and previous accident investigations with the same company in recent years, a Cal-OHSA investigation was triggered.

Workplace accidents: Man's fall through roof results in death

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in Workplace Accidents on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

The United States government has recognized that some industries need assistance in education, policies and safety standards to promote a safe environment for employees. Workplace accidents can result in serious injuries for an employee, expensive medical bills and time away from work to earn an income. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a government agency that helps promote worker safety and exists in every state, including California. In addition to helping promote safety and accident prevention, OHSA often investigates serious accidents. The federal agency is currently investigating a construction accident that occurred in another state that resulted in a worker's death.

A plumbing supply company was having a warehouse rebuilt by a construction crew when the accident occurred. The 59-year-old worker was on top of the roof to repair or replace some skylights. In the process, he fell through the roof 30 feet to the ground.

Workplace accidents: Man injured after falling through skylight

On behalf of Gary Nelson of The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson posted in Workplace Accidents on Wednesday, October 3, 2018.

Any time employees are required to work at an elevated height, there are risks to the employee. Over the years, procedures and equipment have improved to ensure the safety of all employees, but employers must provide the necessary equipment, training and information. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, many workplace accidents can be avoided when precautions are taken. California employees may be interested to learn that an amusement park company in another state has been fined $142, 270 for the injuries one employee suffered following a work accident.

The worker and two other employees were removing material from the roof of a building when his accident occurred. It has not been reported how the employee fell, but it was reported that the fall was through a skylight in the roof. The severity of the employee's injuries has not been reported at this time.