A construction worker at the Physics and Astronomy Building work
site was released from the hospital Saturday after being pinned by
a forklift Aug. 4.
The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. when Anthony Roman, 22,
an employee of glass contracting company Marc Anthony Glazing,
attempted to stabilize the forklift’s load of more than 30
panes of glass, according to witnesses at the scene.
“I just stopped for a minute, and the next thing I knew I
was caught under (the forklift),” Roman said Aug. 7 from the
intensive care unit at the UCLA Medical Center.
According to an investigation by the California Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, Roman was pulled under the
forklift when his right foot interfered with the tire tread as the
forklift wheeled around the perimeter of the construction
project.
Roman said his legs suffered no injuries other than a dull
aching, but the driver side’s front tire broke seven ribs and
his left shoulder. The right side of his face was forced against
the ground, leaving him bleeding from his mouth, nose and ears,
according to CAL OSHA.
Roman was in critical condition when he arrived at UCLA Medical
Center. Amy Waddell, a spokeswoman for the hospital, said patients
who are in critical condition display unstable vital signs, may be
unconscious or are in jeopardy of dying.
The accident occurred a week after Marc Anthony Glazing arrived
on campus to install windows in the new Physics and Astronomy
Building.
The forklift was driven by David Strobridge, another employee of
Marc Anthony Glazing, according to CAL OSHA. Strobridge did not
return multiple phone calls for comment last week.
CAL OSHA investigator Jose Cedro said it is not clear what
caused the accident and that his investigation is focusing on
whether Marc Anthony Glazing is at fault.
The owner of Marc Anthony Glazing could not be reached for
comment after several phone calls last week.
Though Roman said he was scared when he was trapped under the
forklift and bleeding heavily, he is not upset about what
happened.
“I’m over it; accidents happen,” he said.
“The important thing is I am alive.”
Accidents regularly happen on construction sites, but
they’re rarely of this caliber, Cedro said.
“I have seen several accidents with forklifts, but this is
the first time the whole body was run over,” he said.