A workplace accident can happen at any time. Even workers who ensure that they follow all safety recommendations can find themselves suffering from workplace injuries. Police and other officials in California are still working to determine what caused a fatal workplace accident in California involving a machine used in the harvest of pistachios.
Police say they received a call regarding the accident at approximately 10 a.m. one morning on a day in early September. A man working nearby claims he heard a loud noise, followed soon after by workers who closed the road and claimed there was a bad accident. Reports indicate that a 21-year-old man was driving a pistachio hopper on the road when it hit a pole, then a pistachio tree.
Although rescuers requested a medical helicopter, reports indicate that the man was deceased when responders first arrived. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the accident. In addition to the investigation conducted by the sheriff’s office, the California Division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted and will likely also investigate the fatal accident.
Unfortunately, an accident that results in workplace injuries can have serious ramifications. Those injured could face significant medical bills and lost wages. Because of the financial implications of such injuries, California employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage to their employees. In the case of the fatality, such as this incident, benefits typically extend to certain family members. A professional with experience with the claims process can help those entitled to such benefits seek the compensation they deserve.
Source: yourcentralvalley.com, “Farmworker crashes into power pole, found dead”, Sept. 15, 2016
