Most people in California likely feel relatively safe as they complete their day-to-day workplace responsibilities. Even those people who have dangerous jobs have some protection from workplace hazards due to safety regulations and other precautions that are in place. Unfortunately, sometimes these precautions fail, leaving workers suffering workplace injuries. In one out-of-state incident, two men were killed and another injured.
According to reports, three contractors for Southcross Energy were working in a manhole. Unfortunately, they experienced some sort of equipment failure, which caused the release of several hundred pounds of pressure. Unfortunately, the release blew the three men out of the space in which they were working.
Two of the workers — a 30-year-old male and a 54-year-old male — died as a result of injuries suffered in the accident. The third, a 22-year-old man, suffered serious injuries to his leg. After undergoing surgery to place rods in his leg, family members say that he will require physical therapy and that his overall recovery may take a while.
Incidents such as this typically trigger an investigation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, the families of the two deceased men may be wondering how they will cope with funeral expenses and the loss of wages — especially the family of the younger deceased victim who leaves behind two young children. Additionally, the medical bills for the injured victim are likely accumulating quickly while he is unable to work. These victims of workplace injuries — including the families of the two men who lost their lives — may qualify for worker’s compensation insurance benefits. After an accident such as this in California, many victims ask for the help of experienced professionals to help them seek the compensation they deserve.
Source: kristv.com, “Survivor shares new details on Woodsboro industrial accident”, April 13, 2016
