A New Jersey worker at the Knickerbocker Bed Frame Company is lucky to be alive after his lower torso was crushed by 4,000 pounds of steel. The tragic accident happened in late February in Carlstadt, New Jersey, a little before 9:30 a.m.

Authorities received news of the incident shortly after it occurred. Workers and emergency responders soon came to the injured man’s aid and began to pull the steel off him. At a little after 10 a.m., the man was free. Nevertheless, doctors say that he will probably suffer the amputation of his legs.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) representatives also arrived at the accident scene to investigate how the incident might have happened. At this time, it’s believed that the accident happened as machinery was moving the steel equipment. However, the machinery lost the load, which fell on top of the worker. Police described the man as miraculously conscious and alert as emergency workers tried to free him from the wreckage. The Knickerbocker Bed Frame Company did not have an immediate comment about the accident.

Crushing injuries are not uncommon in New jersey factories. These incidents can have devastating and life-altering consequences for the victims that survive them. For example, an individual whose legs are amputated may not be able to perform his job duties anymore and may be permanently disabled. Fortunately, for anyone who suffers a serious injury like this, workers’ compensation benefits will be available to help pay for the injured person’s medical care and time unable to work. In the event of a workers’ death, his or her family members may also be able to receive death benefits stemming from the enormous costs of losing a loved one.

Source: NBC New York, “Worker Crushed by 4,000-Pound Pile of Steel After Accident at New Jersey Bed Company: Source,” Brian Thompson, Feb. 22, 2017