Workplace Accidents: Car smashes into lift truck basket

Workers in the construction industry in New York and other states have to face many known hazards, but from time to time, they come up against unanticipated — and sometimes life-threatening — dangers. Unexpected workplace accidents can happen at any time and may cause minor to life-threatening injuries. The Rochester Fire Department recently rushed to an accident in which a car smashed into the basket of a lift truck.

Reportedly, a 42-year-old operator of a lifting truck was in the basket while crossing the road to the library where he had to perform roof work. For some reason, the machine stalled as he was crossing the road, leaving the aerial basket sitting in the travel lane. A 62-year-old driver attempted to avoid smashing into the basket but struck it with the left side of the car.

The driver suffered no injuries, but the worker in the basket was injured. Firefighters lifted him out the basket and transported him to a medical facility for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The Rochester police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the accident.

New York employees who are suffering the consequences of workplace accidents — both physical and financial — may pursue financial assistance by claiming benefits through the workers’ compensation insurance system. They can expect the benefits to provide coverage for all the medical expenses such as doctors and hospital bills, prescriptions and even transport costs to and from appointments. Furthermore, those workers who are temporarily disabled while they are recovering will receive a portion of their average weekly wages. If permanent disability is suffered, vocational training may teach the victims new skills to accommodate physical limitations.

Source: unionleader.com, “Rochester police, OSHA probing car-lift collision”, Dec. 21, 2016