The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched an investigation into an explosion at a lumber mill. Reportedly, the incident occurred on a recent Thursday around midday. Work-related injuries caused the death of one worker. The lumber mill would not provide details due to the ongoing investigation.
However, according to a report issued by the sheriff’s office, two maintenance workers worked on a commercial air compressor when the explosion occurred. The cause of the blast was not known at the time of the report. Firefighters who responded after the explosion say one employee suffered fatal injuries, and he died before he could be transported to the hospital.
Further reports indicate that the deceased man was 34 years old. Firefighters arrived to find another worker without life-threatening injuries. However, he was transported to a medical facility. Reportedly, both men were employees of the lumber mill. Cal OSHA investigators photographed the scene and questioned witnesses to assist them with the investigation.
The state-regulated workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program, and the outcome of the Cal/OSHA will not affect the eligibility for benefits. The deceased worker’s surviving family members could file death benefits claims for compensation to cover end-of-life expenses and lost wages. Similarly, the injured worker can claim coverage of medical costs and lost wages. Many injured workers and families of workers who lost their lives after suffering work-related injuries in California choose to utilize an experienced workers’ compensation attorney’s skills to navigate the complicated administrative and legal proceedings for them. If parties not linked to the same employer that caused the deaths or injuries, legal counsel can assess the viability of a third-party civil lawsuit as well as the workers’ comp claim.