One man has been injured and another killed after falling 35 feet due to a collapse in a forklift cage at a construction site. Forklift accidents of this nature can be extremely dangerous, and falls from heights continue to be one of the most significant concerns for construction workers in Colorado and across the country. Even with the added security of safety harnesses, if a machine breaks down while workers are in the air, their health could be at risk.
The incident reportedly occurred on a recent Thursday as two men were performing construction on a skyscraper in another state. They were operating a forklift cage about 35 feet in the air when it suddenly collapsed, sending them both to the ground. One of the individuals was rushed to the hospital soon thereafter for treatment of injuries to the head and body, while the other was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.
Construction workers may use machines such as a forklift on a daily basis when a job requires them to operate at heights. Although they make similar job requirements significantly less difficult, there may also be a certain level of risk involved in using a lift. Heavy machinery that sees regular use can require frequent maintenance, and if any issues go unresolved, the result can be catastrophic.
Those who suffer serious injuries or the loss of a loved one in forklift accidents could be entitled to financial relief through the workers’ compensation insurance system. When facing a similar situation, a person could speak with an experienced attorney for assistance in navigating the process. An attorney in Colorado can evaluate the incident, along with a client’s financial concerns and needs, and assist in pursuing the compensation deserved through every applicable outlet.
Source: New York Post, “Construction worker falls to his death in day???s second fatal accident“, Daniel Prendergast and Natalie Musumeci, Sept. 21, 2017