Excavator operator suffers serious workplace injuries

On Behalf of | Jul 7, 2020 | Workplace Injuries

Construction sites typically have endless lists of safety hazards. Construction company employees risk their lives each day, and compliance with federal and state safety standards is crucial. Employers in Oklahoma and other states are responsible for the safety of workers. Providing adequate safety training is an essential part of the safety protocols on any construction site to avoid preventable workplace injuries.

A recent near-death experience for the operator of an excavator at an Oklahoma City construction site underscores the dangers in this industry. Emergency crews responded to a call at a work site at approximately 3 p.m. on a recent Friday. The call alerted rescue workers to the circumstances that involved a worker trapped underneath an overturned excavator.

This was exactly what first responders found upon arrival at the construction site, surprised to see the excavator operator trapped but alive under the heavy vehicle. Reportedly, the worker was caught between a concrete vault and the excavator. The man was conscious, and by getting involved in some digging, police officers and firefighters managed to pull him to safety. He was alert and talking while he was rushed to a hospital to treat leg injuries of unknown severity.

Mounting medical bills and lost wages might cause concern for any inured Oklahoma worker, but financial relief is available. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist with the navigation of a benefits claim. The workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program, making virtually all workplace injuries eligible for benefits, regardless of who was at fault. If this worker’s injuries were catastrophic, preventing him from returning to the same job, legal counsel could work to obtain additional compensation.