Construction work is notoriously dangerous, hence the strict codes and regulations when construction work is being done anywhere. In California, there are strict rules and training mandates in place to protect workers. Despite those protections, there are times when a worker is injured on the job, even when that worker has apparently done nothing wrong.
The worker who was injured was on a platform that was at the scene of a new transit center for the city of San Francisco. A crane struck the man and sent him falling to the ground below. He fell about 12 feet and needed to be taken to a medical facility for treatment of injuries.
It is reported that the crane malfunctioned for some reason. This caused part of it to hit the man. The company in charge of the construction sent other workers home from the site for the day. They are also conducting an investigation into the accident and what exactly happened with the crane. The worker would be released from the hospital, but there was no word given as to whether he would have to miss work as a result of being injured.
Anytime a California construction worker is injured on the job, there is the possibility that they may not be able to return to work right away. For some injured workers, doing construction work ever again may not be a possibility. When a worker is injured on the job and their ability to do the job or to return to work without missing any wages is compromised, they are protected by workers’ compensation laws and would be wise to know what benefits fit their particular situation.
Source: sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com, Worker Injured In Accident San Francisco Transbay Transit Center Construction Site, No author, Feb. 6, 2014