A construction worker was seriously injured in an accident on the evening of Nov. 13 at a work site along state Highway 4 in Antioch. The worker suffered a severe leg injury during the accident, which ultimately required amputation of the limb.
According to information released by the California Division of Occupational Health and Safety, the construction site accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at a work site near the Hillcrest Avenue exit along Highway 4. When emergency crews arrived at the scene shortly after, they found a worker caught in an auger that was being used to bore holes in the ground. The worker had reportedly lost his footing and became entangled in the running auger’s rotating screw blade. Once rescuers had freed the worker from the auger, he was transported by air to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek for treatment.
At the time of the construction site accident, the worker was employed by a private contractor hired by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to carry out a plan to widen Highway 4. Work on widening the highway was halted indefinitely after the accident, and authorities were still investigating at the time of the report.
Construction accidents, such as this machinery accident, may result in construction workers suffering serious injuries, which often lead to a complications and disabilities that can last a lifetime. However, in addition to work safety regulations, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees in the event of an on-the-job accident or injury that prevents them from working. Workers’ compensation can assist injured workers with paying medical expenses and recovering income from lost wages.
Source: Concord Patch, “Construction worker injured on Hwy 4 undergoes amputation; investigation proceeding“, Susan C. Schena, November 17, 2014
