There was a deadly construction accident in Kay County, Oklahoma on March 25, 2024. According to reports, a car traveling on Interstate 35 left the roadway and struck three construction workers. One worker was killed, and two others severely injured. The workers were employed by Wildcat Construction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this tragic accident.
Construction workers face numerous hazards on the job, but one of the most perilous risks comes from being hit by vehicles, especially when working near or on roadways. This danger is not limited to external traffic alone but also includes construction vehicles and equipment moving within the worksite. The blend of heavy machinery, such as dump trucks, cranes, and forklifts, operating in close proximity to workers, alongside the flow of civilian vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes, creates a complex and often unpredictable environment. The risk of being struck is exacerbated by factors such as limited visibility, noise, and the inherent distraction of construction activities, making vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols critical for worker safety.
The consequences of vehicle-related accidents in construction zones can be severe, ranging from minor injuries to fatalities. Workers struck by vehicles or construction equipment may suffer from a range of traumatic injuries, including fractures, internal injuries, and head traumas, which can have long-lasting impacts on their health and quality of life. Beyond the immediate physical injuries, such incidents can lead to significant psychological distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, affecting workers’ ability to return to work and their overall well-being. These accidents not only affect the individual workers and their families but also have broader implications for construction companies, including lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and potential legal liabilities.
To mitigate the risks of being hit by vehicles, construction sites must implement comprehensive safety measures, including the use of high-visibility clothing, designated walkways and crossing points for workers, and barriers to physically separate work areas from active traffic. Effective communication and signage to alert both drivers and workers of potential hazards are essential, as is training for workers on situational awareness and vehicle operators on safe maneuvering practices. Additionally, adopting technology such as wearable alarms for workers and proximity sensors for vehicles can further enhance safety measures. Ultimately, protecting construction workers from the risk of vehicle-related accidents requires a multifaceted approach, emphasizing preventive measures, education, and a culture of safety first.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths and injuries on construction projects. Multiple workers sustained severe injuries when a piece of equipment contacted electric lines in Alexandria, Virginia on February 19, 2024. There was a deadly trench collapse in Lewisville, Texas on March 1, 2024. There was a deadly trench accident in Dubuque, Iowa on March 1, 2024. A worker was killed when the bucket of a skid loader fell onto him in Morning Sun, Iowa on March 16, 2024. A worker fell into a 20-foot deep shaft in Orange County, Florida on March 20, 2024.
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.
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. 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.