On behalf of Godwin and Rubin posted in Workplace Accidents on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
People maintain their vehicles in an attempt to ensure that they are safe to drive. Major parts of a vehicle, such as the brakes, are checked frequently to ensure that they will work properly when needed. Heavy equipment that is used in agriculture also requires maintenance and monitoring to ensure that it remains safe and performs as intended in order to avoid workplace accidents. A recent equipment failure resulted in the death of a worker in California.
The man’s brother was informed that the worker had been in the process of shutting down a wind machine. The machine reportedly began to vibrate and the propeller reportedly fell off. The worker attempted to get out of the way but was hit by the 600 pound blade of the propeller. He was conscious following the injury and was transported by ambulance to a nearby school from which he was airlifted to Kaweah Delta Medical Center. He later died as a result of his injuries.
The company, a citrus fruit grower, is investigating what caused the blade to become detached from the machine. Wind machines are used to circulate air in the orchards on cold nights in an attempt to prevent freezing. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has also opened an investigation in an attempt to determine the cause of the accident and to determine if any safety violations occurred. The company was cited for two previous accidents.
The loss of a loved one due to a tragic workplace accident can be hard to bear. Californians have a right to expect a safe work environment. Even when safety measures and training are in place, fatal workplace accidents can still occur. Families may be devastated by the loss of a loved one and not be aware of what rights and options are available to them. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can work with a client to ensure that they receive the workers’ compensation benefits that they are entitled to, while also investigating to determine whether any third party claims for negligence are appropriate.