There was a deadly construction accident in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 3, 2024. According to reports, a metal drum escaped from a construction project at the University of Pittsburgh’s sports complex. The drum broke through fencing at the project, and rolled down a hill. A woman was on a sidewalk when she was struck by the large piece of material, sustaining a head injury. CPR was attempted, but the woman was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Aleia Lopez. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly incident.
Construction projects pose significant hazards not only to the workers directly involved but also to members of the public who happen to pass by the worksite. These risks arise from the dynamic nature of construction activities and the heavy machinery, tools, and materials involved. The presence of scaffolding, cranes, and partially constructed structures can create hazardous conditions, especially when insufficient barriers or signs warn the public to stay clear. Pedestrians and bystanders may inadvertently wander too close to a worksite due to inadequate fencing or signage, putting them at risk of falling objects, noise pollution, and accidental exposure to harmful dust and chemicals.
Falling materials present one of the most significant hazards to the public. Construction materials like bricks, concrete, and glass can be dislodged by wind or vibrations, falling from heights onto unsuspecting pedestrians below. Even relatively small objects like screws or nails, if dropped from a high enough height, can cause serious injuries. Large objects, such as metal drums, are even more dangerous. If a drum were to break free from an improperly secured crane or roll off a loading dock, its weight and momentum could cause catastrophic injuries to anyone in its path.
Construction projects also generate significant traffic with large trucks and machinery moving in and out of the site. Members of the public are often not accustomed to navigating around such vehicles and could accidentally come into harm’s way. Trucks reversing out of construction zones, for instance, may have limited visibility and struggle to spot pedestrians behind them. Inadequate flagging or poor traffic control measures can exacerbate these risks, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Noise, dust, and chemical emissions are further hazards that can impact the public. Loud machinery can startle nearby pedestrians or distract drivers, creating dangerous situations. Dust and debris can cause respiratory issues for vulnerable individuals or those with pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, chemical emissions from construction activities like painting or welding can affect air quality, posing potential health risks. To mitigate these hazards, construction companies must implement comprehensive safety measures, including clear signage, secure barriers, and active monitoring to ensure that public access to construction sites is strictly limited and well-managed.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths and injuries on construction projects. A crane collapsed during construction at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 24, 2024. There was a trench collapse in Brookhaven, Georgia on April 25, 2024. There was a crane accident in Braintree, Massachusetts on May 1, 2024. A deadly fall accident occurred at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino project in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 2, 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.