A Sheriff’s deputy working at a construction project was killed in Pinellas County, Florida on September 22, 2022. According to reports, the Sheriff’s Deputy had blocked lanes of the roadway at the project, and was standing on the shoulder of Interstate 275. While standing on the shoulder, the deputy was struck and killed by a front end loader operated by a construction The victim has been identified as Michael Hartwick. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this tragic incident.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths on construction projects. A worker was crushed to death in a building collapse in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania on August 30, 2022. A worker was killed in a trench collapse at a construction site in Renton, Washington on September 7, 2022. A worker was killed in an accident at a construction site in Brooklyn, New York on September 12, 2022. A worker was killed in an accident at the Port of Tampa Bay in Florida on September 16, 2022. A worker was hit and killed by a large piece of equipment an accident in Hendricks County, Indiana on September 21, 2022.
Despite being a vital part of the economy, construction projects often pose severe hazards both to construction workers and to the general public if precautions are not taken. Each construction project poses its own unique risks and hazards based on the work being done. Risks that may present themselves during a project must be carefully evaluated before the job begins.
OSHA has provided guidance as to how to minimize risks of falling from scaffolding. OSHA has published safety standards which can provide guidance to construction companies in how to safely work at heights. Statistics illustrate the high number of scaffolding accidents:
Although specific accident ratios cannot be projected for the estimated 3.6 million construction workers currently covered by subpart L, the Economic Analysis that accompanies this final rule estimates that, of the 510,500 injuries and illnesses that occur in the construction industry annually, 9,750 are related to scaffolds. In addition, of the estimated 924 occupational fatalities occurring annually, at least 79 are associated with work on scaffolds.
Our experienced lawyers have handled personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits of all kinds and have the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of an electrocution. The experienced construction personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident at a work site.
Our lawyers have represented numerous workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries on a job site as a result of the negligence of another party. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.