Firefighter Bulldozer Operators Have A Dangerous Job

If we have learned anything over the last few years, and especially over the last two months, it is that California firefighters have hard, dangerous jobs. Citizens of this state owe our firefighters a debt of gratitude for what they do for us. They protect our homes, our lives, and our economy.

What you may not realize is that the firefighters who are in the bulldozers, the ones who work to make containment lines, operate under even tougher conditions. Perhaps nobody knows that better than Andrew Carter, a firefighter who was in a bulldozer that tipped and crashed 180 feet down an embankment last year. Luckily the 13-year veteran firefighter survived, though he was in the hospital for three days, got 20 stitches across his forehead, had internal swelling, and a tear in his shoulder.

Unfortunately, Carter says he has been to many funerals for his fellow bulldozer operators who have not been as lucky as he was.

At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we know that workers in all industries face dangers. If you need a San Diego work injury attorney, contact us today so we can work on securing the compensation you need for all of your expenses.

The Dangers Across Industries

We know that many of you may be thinking, “But my job is not as dangerous as a firefighting bulldozer operator.”

That may be the case, but people can get hurt in pretty much any job. If we take a look at what workplace safety experts say the top ten causes of serious workplace injuries are, we can see just how many California workers are at risk of injury:

• Overexertion (lifting, pushing, pulling, throwing, etc.)

• Falls on the same level

• Falls to a lower level

• Struck by an object

• Other exertions

• Roadway incidents

• Slip or trip without a fall

• Caught in or compressed by equipment

• Struck against object

• Repetitive motion of microtasks

Think about your job? Can any of those ten things happen to you? Sure they can. While your employer should take steps to minimize the risk of anything jeopardizing your safety in the workplace, we often find that employers do not take safety steps until after an accident occurs.

Where does that leave you if you have already been hurt?

Where You Can Find Help

We know that there are high-risk industries that people see in the news each night, but we do not want to overlook all of the other occupations that see work injuries on a daily basis. Workers compensation insurance is supposed to be there for you, but there are times when claims or denied or you are not offered enough to cover your expenses. When this happens, Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP will be there for you.

When you need a San Diego work injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.