Even the most experienced employees can find themselves the victim of a workplace accident. While workplace injuries can be minor, many victims face serious — sometimes even fatal — injuries. A fatal accident that happened in California involving the employee of a dredging company is under investigation.
The incident happened on a day in early January. According to reports, kayakers on a river witnessed the collapse of a large metal tower. They reportedly contacted rescue workers after they heard someone yelling for help.
First responders reportedly discovered a 31-year-old man trapped under a pile of metal. Though they were able to extricate him, he died as a result of chest injuries after being transported to the hospital. A representative for the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health reports that the victim was attempting to dismantle the casing around a conveyor motor when the whole system crashed down on him.
The president of the company that employed the victim declined to release his identity and indicated that he is unsure of the work the man was completing at the time of the incident. However, he claims that the company is cooperating with OSHA’s investigation. In the meantime, the victim’s family is now left facing the unexpected death of their loved one as a result of the workplace injuries he suffered. While employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits for their employees — and this coverage can extend to certain family members — many people are unfamiliar with the compensation process. Fortunately, there are experienced professionals in California who can help.