Construction safety advocates often cite falls from heights, crush injuries and electrocutions as among the most common accidents on worksites. These accidents can result in life-changing injuries or death. One other commonly fatal incident involves workers being struck by falling objects. Objects may drop to the ground for numerous reasons, including leaving tools unsecured, loading hoists incorrectly or working with defective equipment, among others. New York construction workers may be aware of the tragic story from another state that illustrates this danger.
Witnesses say six injured workers were screaming in pain after a crane dropped a load of rebar on them. For unknown reasons, the bundle of steel rods came loose as a crane transferred it from the ground to a higher construction level. The bundle fell on the men, pinning them beneath and causing catastrophic injuries.
Other workers on-site tried frantically to extricate the injured men. Rescue workers from several departments arrived and combined forces to release the workers and transport them to the nearest trauma center. At least one of the men was placed on a ventilator.
While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration begins its investigation into the accident, victims of similar accidents involving falling objects may have questions about their own situations. These preventable accidents are often the result of defective equipment or negligence. Injured workers and the families of those who lose their lives in New York construction accidents have every right to consult with a legal professional to learn about their options for pursuing their rightful compensation when a grossly negligent employer or third party may bear financial responsibility.