Workplace injuries cause death of 33-year-old farm laborer

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched an investigation into an incident that claimed the life of a worker in Sanger. Reportedly, officials from the sheriff’s office were called to the property of a packing company at approximately 11 a.m. on a recent Friday. The employee who suffered fatal workplace injuries was 33 years old, and she was in her second year of working at the packing plant.

A Cal/OSHA spokesperson says the victim worked for a contractor who arranges jobs for farm laborers. The woman was apparently pulled into a cylinder shaft, which is a part of a machine that separates raisin bunches. Reportedly, a piece of her clothing was caught in the turning shaft, causing her to be trapped.

Co-workers rushed to her aid immediately after they noticed that she was trapped in the machine. They switched the machine off and called 911. However, the worker reportedly suffered a severe injury to her head. First responders arrived only to find that the woman had succumbed to her injuries.

The California workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system, typically providing benefits regardless of who may have been responsible. The surviving family members of the deceased worker can proceed with the filing of a death benefits claim. This could be a challenging process at a difficult time, but those facing similar circumstances can seek the support and guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Legal counsel could assist with the entire process in pursuit of financial relief to cover a funeral and burial, along with a financial package to make up for lost wages.