In California and around the country, falls are a persistent hazard in workplace settings. A serious fall can occur even when a worker is just walking through the building or trying to change a light bulb. According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 605 workers were killed and approximately 212,000 more were injured as a result of falls in 2009.
Why falls continue to be a problem in the workplace
CALOSHA fines 2 companies in connection with worker death
On May 18, a 59-year-old construction worker from Long Beach lost his life while working on an old railroad bridge in Riverside that was being demolished. The bridge was closed down for construction on Highway 91 during the road-widening job. The bridge collapsed, causing the worker to fall onto the freeway, according to a Caltrans spokesperson. She also stated that the reason for the railroad bridge demolition was the addition of two carpool lanes to the 91 Freeway. This was being accomplished via a new bridge that would be wide enough to have room for the expansion.
