Authorities in Orlando, FL, have confirmed that a 40-year-old worker suffered serious injuries on Monday after a piece of machinery fell on him.
According to the Orange County Fire Rescue, the incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. November 4 at a warehouse at the 6400 block of Pinecastle Boulevard, south of Orlando.
The worker, whose name has not been released, was attempting to move a tensile strength tester using a forklift when it toppled over and fell on top of him. His co-workers were able to free him before fire rescue workers arrived at the scene. He sustained serious chest injuries and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment. His condition is unknown.
No more information has been released. As this was a workplace incident, it is likely that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will conduct an investigation.
Another case of a worker being injured on the job was reported in Jacksonville last week. A construction worker was critically injured after being electrocuted by a high power transmission line on October 25 in East Arlington at the intersection of North Kernan Boulevard and Running River Road.
According to police, the worker was an employee of James D. Hinson Electrical Contracting Company, which was hired by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) to install traffic lights along Kernan Boulevard.
The man was in a boom truck that came into contact with an electric current, which electrocuted him. His co-workers tried to resuscitate him until rescue workers arrived and took over. He was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries, and his condition is listed as critical.
OSHA and Jacksonville police are both investigating the incident. JTA released a statement saying its main concern was the “health and well-being” of the injured worker. The agency is fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
JEA—the city’s water, electric, and sewer utility—told news sources that it didn’t receive a request from the subcontractor to power down the transmission lines while the traffic lights were being installed.
Workplace injuries can occur in any industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than three million workers in the U.S. suffered work-related injuries in 2014. In Florida, workplace injuries caused a total of 299 fatalities in 2017.
Workers injured on the job have the right to file for workers’ compensation. A successful claim can cover a worker’s medical bills and a portion of their lost income. In cases like this, it is crucial for the injured worker to hire an attorney to help them properly file a claim so they don’t risk having their rightful compensation reduced or denied.
South Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you or your loved one was injured at a job site, you should hire an attorney. Contact us for a free initial consultation and work with one of South Florida’s most experienced workers’ compensation defense attorneys
Source: 11.4.19 Man suffers traumatic injuries in Orange County industrial accident.pdf