Longshoreman loses both legs in dock accident

A Port of Oakland, CA female longshore worker run over by a container lift lost the use of both of her legs. The San Jose Mercury News reported that the unnamed victim and other workers had finished up the night shift and were heading off the pier at the Ports America terminal at 4 a.m., March 2 when she was struck. The driver of the container lift, also called a top lifter, apparently did not see her. The driver, who reportedly volunteered for and passed a drug test, was said to be “beside himself” and seeking therapy.  The worker was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. “The union immediately demanded that Ports America change the configuration (of the pedestrian and equipment area) and they subsequently have, but it’s too late. It’s a tragedy,” said ILWU Local 10 President Richard Mead. Mead said it was raining at the time of the accident and the convergence of pedestrians and equipment were contributing factors. The gate was moved about 1,000 yards.

Source: Justice News Flash. Com