There was a construction accident in Center Township, Pennsylvania on May 8, 2024. According to reports, a worker was run over by an excavator at the construction project. During the incident, Bradley Wheeler was standing behind an excavator. The operator of the excavator began backing the machine up, running over Wheeler’s leg in the process. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Excavators are a staple on most construction sites, offering critical functionality for digging, lifting, and demolition tasks. However, the operation of these heavy machines also introduces substantial risks, particularly related to the interaction between excavator operators and ground workers. The size and power of excavators make them inherently dangerous if not operated with utmost caution and awareness.
One significant risk associated with excavators is the potential for running over or hitting ground workers. This can occur due to the limited visibility around the excavator, especially at the rear and periphery of the machine. Excavators have significant blind spots that can easily obscure a person standing too close, particularly if the operator is focused on a task. Ground workers often need to be near excavators to guide operations or prepare areas for digging, increasing the risk of accidental contact if both parties are not vigilant.
The responsibility for minimizing these risks starts with the excavator operator. It is crucial for operators to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings. This includes regularly checking all mirrors, using cameras or other technology to enhance visibility, and possibly working with a spotter who can signal if a person is in an unsafe position. Additionally, operators should be trained to always assume that there could be personnel in blind spots or just out of sight, and to operate the machinery accordingly.
Preventative measures also extend to site management practices. Implementing strict safety protocols where designated walkways and clear signage are used can help keep ground workers safe. Furthermore, all site workers should receive safety training specific to the operational risks of working near excavators, which includes recognizing the boundaries of safe distances and understanding the visual and audio signals used by operators to indicate machine movements. Through such comprehensive safety measures, the risks of serious accidents involving excavators can be significantly reduced, protecting workers and ensuring smoother, safer project execution.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths and injuries on construction projects. A metal drum escaped a construction project and hit and killed a bystander in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 3, 2024. A scissor lift fell over at a construction project at Centennial Village at the University of Miami on April 27, 2024. A worker fell into a trench while installing a storm drain and was killed in Kenilworth, New Jersey on May 6, 2024. A worker fell from a ladder when he was electrocuted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 8, 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 hurt. 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.