Safety in the workplace should always be on the top of every business owner’s mind. No matter the industry, there are risks associated with every job in California. A fatal accident at work can be devastating for all parties involved, including the victim’s family and co-workers. Such is the case surrounding the incident that claimed the life of one San Leandro mechanic.
The California Department of Occupational Safety and Health is looking into what caused a fatal incident in which a front loader crushed a worker. The mechanic was underneath the machine in the yard of a company that sells construction equipment and services. According to a spokesperson for the Alameda County Fire Department, the machine had been hoisted on jacks so the worker could get under it.
Around 9:30 a.m., the front loader slipped off the jacks and onto the mechanic. Firefighters were able to lift the vehicle off him using a mechanical hoist. However, the man was pronounced dead on the scene. A spokesperson for the company noted that they had never been cited for a safety violation. However, there may be repercussions for this workplace accident.
Companies are responsible for ensuring that safety equipment and processes are put in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring. Additionally, workers are supposed to be trained to mitigate risks through utilizing equipment properly. Should this company be found responsible for the mechanic’s death, the family could stand to gain compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages could include paying for lost wages and even for the pain and suffering that is associated with losing a loved one.
Source: CBS Local, “Worker Crushed to Death at Volvo-Owned Plant in San Leandro,” Feb. 13, 2014
