Struck-by hazards pose a significant danger to construction workers, especially in cases in which overhead cranes are moving heavy objects above the workers. Construction company owners must anticipate potential workplace accidents and provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment. Falling objects from cranes have caused the deaths of many workers nationwide, including in Colorado.
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, workers on the 37th story of a building under construction in another state witnessed a co-worker being struck to death. Rescue workers from the fire department reported that a piece of equipment somehow detached from the crane by which it was hoisted. Reportedly, the worker suffered critical injuries. Although co-workers attempted to save him, officials reported that he died at the scene.
A Technical Rescue Team had to use a crane to lower the 29-year-old man’s body to ground level. The cause of the accident is under investigation, and authorities will determine whether this worker’s death could have been prevented. The crane will also be inspected for any defects that might have caused the object to fall.
Surviving family members of Colorado workers who died after being struck by falling objects may benefit from the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer can assess the circumstances of the workplace accident and determine whether the family has a viable third-party claim against the crane company in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. Navigating both these actions may be challenging, and an attorney can provide support and guidance throughout the proceedings.
Source: NBC Miami, “Crews Respond to Construction Site Accident in Miami“, Laura Rodriguez, Dec. 3, 2015