Construction workers face many risks as they go through their workday. In addition to the risks of falls when working at heights, they must be aware of heavy machinery and materials. Unfortunately, many workers in California and across the country become victims of construction accidents every year. For example, one out-of-state man was recently killed at a construction site after he was struck by a section of a steel structure.
According to reports, the accident happened at SME Steel Contractors, Inc., a company that fabricates and erects structural steel. The man was working at the company’s facility at approximately 7 a.m. one day in February. The 37-year-old employee was reportedly cutting a portion of steel structure at the time of the incident. The beam apparently gave away, causing it to fall on the victim.
Some estimate that the beam may have weighed up to 10,000 pounds. Workers were able to remove the beam, and they administered CPR to the victim. Unfortunately, he died at the scene. As a result of the accident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to launch an investigation to determine cause of the accident.
Despite the many different safety standards that are in place, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate construction accidents. Because of the potential for construction workers and workers in other industries to become victims of workplace accidents, employers in California are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance benefits. These benefits provide for the expenses of an accident — including medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses — in the event a worker is injured or killed. Because the period following a workplace accident is likely already filled with stress, many ask an experienced professional to help them seek fair compensation.
Source: ksl.com, “Police ID man fatally crushed by piece of steel in industrial accident“, Faith Heaton Jolley, Feb. 19, 2016