Regardless of where one lives, for many a favorite vacation location is one of the Disney theme parks. The odds are if you asked young kids (and some adults too!) where they want to work when they grow up, one of the parks would be there response. Children in Pennsylvania are likely not an exception.

Unfortunately even the "happiest place on earth" is not immune from worker injuries. A recent workplace accident at Disneyland illustrates this.

A 68-year-old man who worked there was hurt one night earlier this month when he was struck by a part of the famous rollercoaster known as Space Mountain. At the time of the incident, the man, a machinist, was testing one of the rollercoaster's vehicles that had just been through some maintenance work. The accident happened after the park had closed.

As a result of being struck, the man suffered injuries to his head, back and chest. He was deemed to be in critical condition following the event. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has commenced an investigation into the matter. The ride was open to park visitors the next day.

The long-term prognosis for the man is not known. It is highly likely however that he will end up filling a workers' compensation claim related to the matter. Being out of work and in the hospital recovering from a work injury, often means that no money is coming in, while at the same time, medical bills are mounting. Workers' comp, as it is often referred to, is available to many workers to help bridge that financial gap.

Source: NBC LA, "Worker ID'd Who Was Seriously Injured at Disneyland Space Mountain Ride," Melissa Pamer and Vikki Vargas, Oct. 10, 2012

• An unsafe workplace can lead to accidents. Our firm handles workers' compensation cases. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pennsylvania workplace accidents page.