A man who works for Boeing is lucky to be alive after his involvement in an accident last week. The man was injured on the job when he was run over by the wheels of a Boeing 787 while helping to move it at Paine Field located in Everett.

Prior to his shift, he reportedly told his grandparents he was going to be assisting in moving a plane. He also said he would be doing some work on the plane's landing lights.

According to the man's grandfather, the worker grabbed the chalk he was in the process of setting at the wheels when the plane began to overtake him. He reportedly used this to pull himself up, preventing his injuries from being any worse.

It took over a half hour to get him out. Once he was freed, he was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The man reportedly sustained injuries characterized as serious to his legs. He has reportedly been alert but does not remember the details of the incident.

Though the extent of the man's injuries has not been reported, it is highly likely that he will choose to file a workers' compensation claim. In addition to covering medical expenses and lost wages, in some circumstances, workers' compensation benefits may also provide vocational rehabilitation or long-term disability benefits.

It is not clear what caused the wheels to run over and trap the worker. Investigations into the incident have been initiated by the Machinists Union and the Department of Labor and Industries. Boeing has also launched an investigation into the accident.

Source: KIRO TV, "Grandparents of man run over by plane said quick thinking may have saved life," Feb. 7, 2012