Three construction workers were injured when they were struck by falling steel girders. According to a news report in The Star-Ledger, the New Jersey construction accident occurred at the former General Motors facility in Linden, New Jersey. Officials say that six struts used to support a ceiling or deck collapsed and struck the workers. All three workers were transported to University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey for treatment. One of the workers suffered a serious head injury, but it does not appear that any of the injuries are life threatening.
According to a representative from a company which supplies construction vehicles at the site, the workers were preparing to start their work when high winds knocked down an I-beam and several struts. The falling debris struck the workers and their vehicles.
Construction work remains one of the most dangerous jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 20 percent of all fatalities that occurred in private industry in 2012 were in construction related fields. The leading causes of worker deaths in the construction industry include falls, being struck by objects, electrocution, and being caught-in/between objects or equipment. These four factors contribute to more than 50 percent of all construction accident deaths.
Following federal safety standards can help prevent many fatal construction accidents. Employers must do their part by providing workers with adequate fall protection and safety gear. They must also properly communicate when there are known hazards and regularly inspect sites and equipment to ensure that scaffolds, ladders, vehicles and all other equipment is in proper working order. Employers also need to provided proper and functional safety equipment where needed.
It is important for injured workers to receive guidance when filing a workers’ compensation claim. It is common for claims to be denied. When this happens, workers and their families struggle to get the support they need. Aside from worker’s compensation, other claims may be pursued to recover damages from culpable parties.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction accident, please contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer at Blume Forte to obtain more information about your potential claim.