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According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, a 21-year-old man died while working at a Goleta dairy after he was pinned between a truck and a loading dock by a person driving a tractor trailer.
A report filed with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) said that a tractor-trailer owned by Alta Dena Dairy was delivering milk when the worker was pinned. The worker was rushed to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where he died. Cal/OSHA is investigating the cause of the accident.
Preventing Workplace Injuries and Deaths
According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, a U.S. worker is injured on the job every seven seconds. These workplace accidents cost the nation billions of dollars each year. Therefore, safety experts say that companies need to educate their workers and implement strict safety precautions in order to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.
Although it is still not known why this tragic Santa Barbara County industrial accident happened, it is essential that workers are trained to stay clear of dangerous zones known as “pinch points.” “Pinch point” accidents are listed among the top 10 workplace-related accidents in the United States. They can be avoided if an employer establishes strict procedures for machine engagement.
Safety is a two-way street that involves both employer and employee. If you see a hazard at work, you should speak out and let your employer know. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against or harass an employee who speaks out about safety hazards at work.
Needed Protection for Harmed Employees
If you have been injured on the job, or if you have lost a loved one in an industrial accident, it is essential that you have an experienced attorney by your side who will act firmly and quickly to protect your legal rights.
If you have questions about your case, we encourage you to call the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand at our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530. We can also be contacted online. Your case review will be free and confidential.