Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace accidents: Contractor killed in FedEx parking stalls

On behalf of Godwin and Rubin posted in Workplace Accidents on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.

Shipping hubs for one of the world’s largest delivery companies are undoubtedly busy places, whether in California or elsewhere around the country. Employees would routinely work around mechanical equipment that sorted or moved packages as well as vehicles that transported the boxes. Despite corporate-level safety initiatives, workplace accidents can still occur. Recently, a contractor was killed at a FedEx facility in another state after being pinned between two trailers in parking stalls.

The investigation is still underway, so all the pertinent details are not yet available. However, previous reports from this location indicate possible contributing factors to the incident. The state’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration had reported that the parking stalls at the facility forced trailers to park between just 25 to 36 inches apart from each other. These conditions made accessing the landing gear or hooking up trailers difficult tasks.

The investigator noted that the distance lent itself to the possibility of someone being struck or trapped between the parked vehicles. The recommendation was that the facility review and alter the layout to increase safety. As many duties of truck drivers require walking beside the trailers, the narrow spacing creates a potentially dangerous work environment.

FedEx stresses that safety is a concern for its employees, vendors and other stakeholders. Corporate representatives stated that the company complies with all safety rules and regulations. Records reflect that the company had not received any citations or fines for safety at the site of the recent accident.

All employees, regardless of the industry in which they work, have the right to a safe working environment. Workplace accidents can occur on any job, given certain circumstances. If someone has been injured or killed on the job, it would be helpful to contact a California personal injury attorney for advice. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist families with filing a personal injury lawsuit or pursuing a wrongful death claim, depending on the incident. A successful outcome in a case could provide families with compensation to offset hospital bills, funeral costs or other expenses.

Source: pamplinmedia.com, “Narrow parking blamed for accidents at FedEx,” Zane Sparling, Oct. 31, 2017