Collapsing scaffolding injures 4 in construction accident
On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Construction Workers’ Accidents on Friday, July 8, 2016.
Construction workers utilize a number of methods in order to complete work that takes place several stories above the ground. Scaffolds are common fixtures at most work sites, but they also pose a serious threat if not erected properly. A recent construction accident seriously injured four workers in Illinois after the scaffolding they were working on suddenly collapsed.
A crew of eight men was on site of surgical expansion for an area hospital when the accident happened. At shortly before 8 a.m., the scaffolding’s center section gave way without any warning, causing four of the workers to suffer injuries. It is not clear if the men were actually on the scaffolding at the time or if they were hurt by falling debris.
Of the four who were injured, two had to be transported via helicopter to a different hospital while another was taken by ambulance. The fourth victim was treated at the hospital where the construction site was located and released later that same day. Although none of the men suffered life-threatening injuries, the full extent of their injuries and current condition is still not known.
The construction site was shut down following the accident, and the construction company stated that it was investigating the incident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating the accident in an effort to understood what led up to the collapse. Although all construction has been halted until the conclusion of the investigations, none of the hospital’s services were affected.
Most Illinois construction workers face a tremendous risk when simply stepping onto the work site, although safety efforts by employers can help minimize those risks. Sadly, even when every possible safety precaution was taken, accidents can still happen, causing serious harm to workers. When a construction accident puts victims in the hospital, workers’ compensation benefits can be an essential tool in helping the worker move through treatment to recovery and ultimately back to work.
Source: kfvs12.com, “4 construction workers injured in scaffolding collapse at Herrin“, Alycia Dobrinick, June 30, 2016
