WINDSOR, CA — A 40-year-old man was tragically killed Thursday afternoon in a workplace accident at a wine storage facility in Sonoma County. The incident occurred just before 1 p.m. at a commercial building located in the 1000 block of Shiloh Road in Windsor.
Emergency personnel from the Sonoma County Fire District responded to the scene and found the man trapped beneath a heavy pallet. According to Windsor police, the man, a forklift operator, had been working with stacks of full wine pallets, each weighing approximately 3,000 pounds. Initial reports suggest that while the forklift became stuck, the operator exited the vehicle to inspect the situation. Tragically, a pallet then fell on top of him, resulting in fatal injuries.
“There were no witnesses to the incident,” said Windsor police Sgt. Jason Little. “It appears the pallet fell while the operator was attempting to address the issue with the forklift.”
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin. The Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office is expected to conduct a full investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CalOSHA) has also launched its own investigation into the accident. As is standard in incidents of this nature, CalOSHA will assess whether workplace safety protocols were followed and determine any potential violations.
The tragic incident highlights the risks faced by workers in environments involving heavy machinery and large, cumbersome loads. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions and training in preventing such fatal accidents.
Further details about the incident are expected to emerge as investigations continue.