A California scaffolding collapse has left three workers hurt and two of them facing life-threatening injuries. The construction accident happened at approximately 9:35 a.m. on Jan. 24 at a home on Clayton Street in the Twin Peaks neighborhood of San Francisco. There was no word on what caused the collapse.
The workers were ages 20, 50 and 58. All three men reportedly suffered serious injuries and were transported to San Francisco General Hospital. A fire department representative said there were multiple injuries including numerous broken bones. Two of the men were said to have suffered life-threatening injuries, although a representative didn’t elaborate on what exactly those injuries were.
The workers had originally planned on just patching the roof. However, the project quickly expanded into a complete re-roofing. The workers didn’t work for a contractor and had been hired directly by the homeowner. The owner of the home told police that he did not have a permit and probably should have gotten one. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration was investigating the site and the cause of the accident.
Construction accidents are unfortunately far too common. While construction can be a naturally dangerous occupation, the work can be more hazardous on unregulated job sites that aren’t properly documented and supervised. Further investigation will determine what caused the accident and who is liable. However, the injured workers may be able to pursue workers’ compensation or possibly personal injury compensation through a suit. An attorney could advise the workers on which route is most appropriate and represent their rights in any potential litigation or hearings.
Source: CBS San Francisco Bay Area, “Scaffolding Collapse Leaves 3 Hurt In San Francisco’s Twin Peaks“, January 24, 2014
