LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif.—Chulaih Ang, a 64-year-old Carson resident, tragically died Jan. 15 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle at the Port of Long Beach.
Ang was working at the Port when the accident occurred, according to local authorities. Police responded to the facilities, located in the 300 block of Mediterranean Way, at about 3:45 p.m.
Authorities reported that the worker was struck by the vehicle near a container terminal.
Officials have not described the vehicle that struck Ang or released any additional information about the industrial accident.
Commentary on the Fatal Workplace Accident at the Port of Long Beach
I am saddened to learn that a fatal workplace accident at the Port of Long Beach has left Mr. Chulaih Ang dead. Unexpected accidents are notoriously difficult and leave the family searching for answers. While industrial accidents are more common than most realize, no one expects their family to die on the job.
When confronted with a fatal workplace accident, it is crucial to account for all parties involved. The report provides little detail concerning the parties in this case. For starters, we need to know whether Mr. Ang was working as an independent contractor or an employee at the time of the accident. Workplace accidents can fall under worker compensation or negligence law based on this fact.
If this was an employee, it is important to look at the safety protocol of the employer. Employers have a duty to mitigate the risk of harm to their employees. This includes robust safety procedures and committed safety training. Further, safety procedures are of little value if not adhered to by all levels of the organization. Did this employer cultivate a culture of safety?
Investigators will also need to determine the driver of the vehicle and their purpose at the port. Was this a fellow employee, an employee of another firm, or an everyday citizen? If this was an employee of another organization, details surrounding that organization’s safety procedures will also need to be investigated.
This will be a complicated investigation and take time. I encourage the family to exercise patience while trained professionals uncover the details.
Disclaimer: All the information in this post is from third-party sources or constitutes my opinion. These posts are not legal advice. If you are not comfortable with this post or would like further information, please reach out to my firm to speak with me.
