Oswaldo Hernandez (Full Name: Oswaldo Alejandro Rodas Hernandez), of Jacksonville, Florida Died in Workplace Accident at National Cement Plant in Lebec
LEBEC, CALIFORNIA (January 18, 2026) – A 50-year-old man from Florida identified as Oswaldo Hernandez has tragically died in an industrial accident at the National Cement Plant in Lebec.
Kern County officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:29 AM on January 6, 2026. For undetermined reasons, Oswaldo Hernandez was found unresponsive at the worksite.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Sadly, Oswaldo Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the death remain unknown. However, a coroner report listed that his death was likely due to multiple blunt force injuries.
A full investigation by Cal OSHA remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Kern County Industrial Accidents
Business owners in California have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S. Code § 654, “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Employers should take several actions to prevent industrial accidents.
- Identify Hazards: Employers should work to identify hazards on the job site before someone is injured.
- Hazard Elimination: Employers should work to eliminate hazards when possible. This may necessitate that they substitute certain materials or processes.
- Training: All workers should be trained to identify and avoid potential hazards that they encounter. They should also be trained in the proper lockout/tagout procedures.
- Enforcement: Supervisors should enforce workplace safety protocols at all times during work hours.
When a worker is injured on the job in California, they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. Worker’s Compensation operates through a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker to demonstrate that one or another party was liable for the accident. In addition to workers’ compensation, the victims of workplace accidents may be able to pursue some measure of justice through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.
Third-Party Liability for California Industrial Accidents
A large number of people are injured at their jobs every year in the United States. Many of these injuries and deaths occur in the manufacturing sector. According to OSHA, “Manufacturing industry workers not only have the highest fatality rate, but they are also at increased risk of serious injury compared to other industries. There are about 340 million occupational accidents and 160 million victims of work-related illnesses annually.” There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any industrial accident.
- General Contractors: A general contractor could be liable for an accident if it was the result of unsafe work conditions at a certain location.
- Machine Manufacturer: The company that created a piece of machinery used in the workplace could be liable for an accident through a product liability claim. In general, companies could be liable for injuries caused by their products if those products were defective in some way.
- Subcontractor: The company that employed a subcontractor could potentially be liable for an accident. Many workplaces consist of a blend of subcontractors that must all work together towards the same goal.
The vast majority of workplace accidents are preventable. They tend to involve clear safety lapses for violations of OSHA policy. In particular, the machinery at certain locations may not be properly guarded. Workers may not receive adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the specific task that they are trying to accomplish. It is important that the victims of workplace accidents and their families understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died in a workplace accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a wrongful death action.
Investigating Kern County Industrial Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Oswaldo Hernandez. Any person who may have more information about what happens should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that similar tragedies can be prevented. Many questions remain unanswered. What is the safety record of the business at this location? Were all OSHA regulations being observed?
Do you need more information about a Kern County industrial accident? Our team of workers’ rights advocates is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and fighting for fair treatment and justice for all workers and their families. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
