California Worker’s Death in Worksite Trench Accident Highlights Dangers of Falling Objects at Work and What Decatur Workers Can Do to Help Protect Themselves
A tragic and fatal workplace accident that occurred in California earlier this week on Wednesday highlights the dangers of falling objects at worksites and workplaces. According to local news reports, on December 20, at around 10:30 a.m., a worker at an excavation site in Tustin, California was found deceased by responding fire crews. The worksite was located at the 9800 block Newport Avenue in Tustin. According to local authorities, the deceased worker was approximately 15 feet underground in a trench when an object fell onto his head. The worker was pronounced dead at the worksite scene. Sadly, local reports note that the worker’s family and co-workers gathered at the scene and were “visibly distraught”. Although investigations into the horrific workplace accident are still ongoing, it is clear that the accident serves as an important reminder of how dangerous falling objects can be at workplaces across the United States and in many different industries.
Falling Objects: A Dangerous Problem in Many Workplaces
The Columbia University Irvine Medical Center notes that every year the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) records approximately 50,000 workplace injuries caused by falling objects. While some workplace accidents involving falling objects can be relatively minor, they can also be extremely dangerous and can lead to broken bones or death. In order to help workers better protect themselves from falling object accidents at work, Columbia recommends the following tips and practices:
- Workers should make sure to verbally warn other workers below them that they are about to work overhead;
- Workers, when working from heights, should ensure that the work area below them is cleared, and post warning signs and/or cordon off the area with ropes;
- Workers should not store equipment, tools, or other objects close to a ledge, edge, hole, or opening;
- When organizing materials, workers should make sure to stack them securely so they do not fall over;
- Workers should not carry tools, equipment, or other objects while going up a ladder;
- Workers should not sweep objects off of a ledge or edge of a work area;
- Tools and equipment should be properly stored when not in use;
- When workers lift loads, they should ensure that the load is “balanced” and that no workers are underneath the load.
Of course, employers should also make sure that workplaces are safe and free from falling object hazards, and should always comply with safety regulations and guidance.
Help for Injured Workers in Decatur
If you were injured in a workplace accident in Decatur and you need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, contact the experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers at the O’Connell Law Firm. The experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers at the O’Connell Law Firm offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your workplace accident and to see if they can help you obtain Georgia workers’ compensation benefits due to you. Contact the O’Connell Law Firm today and speak to a lawyer about your case for free.
Source:
ktla.com/news/local-news/worker-killed-in-orange-county-trench-accident/
