[09-21-2025] Contra Costa County, CA โ€“ UPS Worker Killed in Industrial Accident Inside Cargo Trailer in Richmond

A UPS worker, Shelma G., 43, was killed after being crushed by several packages inside a cargo trailer in Richmond on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

According to Richmond police, officers responded around 4:15 p.m. to the 1600 block of Atlas Road.

Preliminary investigation indicated that Shelma was loading the trailer when multiple packages fell on her. She was alone inside the trailer at the time, and a co-worker later discovered her and called 911. Shelma was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Contra Costa County Coroner confirmed her identity. Cal/OSHA is investigating the incident, and the investigation is ongoing. UPS released a statement expressing condolences and said they are cooperating fully with authorities.

Contact Our Workplace Accident Lawyers In Richmond, CA

Industrial accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, creating legal and financial considerations for families and survivors. Understanding potential legal options may help you take the necessary steps following a workplace incident.

Workplace accident lawyers in Richmond can help you explore legal avenues after an industrial accident. This may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance or workersโ€™ compensation matters, and explaining the process of pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Early legal guidance may help ensure important matters are addressed properly.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our โ€œDo I Have a Case?โ€ form for a free initial consultation.

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What To Do After A Workplace Accident In Richmond, CA

When a worker is killed or seriously injured in an industrial accident, surviving family members and others affected may take certain steps to help protect legal rights and preserve important evidence related to the incident.

  1. Contact Authorities And Obtain Official Records
    Ensure that police reports, Cal/OSHA records, and any available workplace investigation documentation are obtained. These records can be important for understanding the circumstances of the accident.
  2. Document The Scene If Possible
    If family members or witnesses are present, safely gathering photographs or notes about the work area, equipment, and conditions may help preserve information.
  3. Gather Witness Information
    Collect names and contact details of any co-workers or others who witnessed the incident. Their statements may help clarify how the accident occurred.
  4. Consult Workplace Accident Lawyers
    An attorney can explain possible legal options for the family, assist with communications regarding insurance or workersโ€™ compensation claims, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early guidance may help ensure legal rights are protected and the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

In 2022, the United States recorded about 5,486 work-related deaths, representing a 5.7 percent increase from 2021. On average, a worker died from a job-related injury every 96 minutes, compared to every 101 minutes in the previous year.

Transportation incidents were the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries, accounting for 37.7 percent of all work-related deaths. That year, approximately 2,066 workers died in transportation accidents, a 4.2 percent increase from 2021.

Falls, slips, and trips were the second most common cause of workplace fatalities. In 2022, roughly 865 workers died from these incidents, up 1.8 percent from 2021. Most of these deaths (about 81 percent) were due to falls to lower levels, totaling 700 fatalities, compared with 680 in 2021.

These figures highlight the ongoing risks workers face and the importance of safety measures in the workplace.

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