Construction Worker Killed in Elevator Shaft Accident
Construction sites are dangerous for workers. Nobody expects to die while at work, but unfortunately, it happens all too often. Workers can fall, get electrocuted, get hit by machinery, have materials fall on them, or get injured or killed in many other ways.
A construction worker in Newark was recently killed at a jobsite. On the morning of May 10, police responded to a call at 10 Commerce Court. A man was injured while working inside an elevator shaft. He died at the accident scene.
The site, located downtown, is a 12-story, 123,500-square-foot former children’s hospital. It is currently being redeveloped as apartments by the Hanini Group, which is based in Newark.
The construction accident remains under investigation. No other details were released.
What to Know About Elevator Shaft Accidents
Elevator shaft accidents are among the most serious construction site hazards. In fact, the most common cause of fatal elevator accidents is falling into the elevator shaft itself. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, elevator incidents result in 30 deaths and 17,000 serious injuries each year.
Elevator shafts are typically deep, and they contain various machinery, including cables, pulleys, and controls. Falling into this space can lead to severe injuries or death. The fall itself can cause significant trauma, including broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Common causes of elevator shaft accidents include:
- Falls. Workers often fall into unprotected or improperly guarded shafts.
- Structural failures. Scaffolding or platforms may collapse inside shafts.
- Falling objects: Tools or debris can get dropped into shafts, striking workers below.
- Elevator malfunctions. Sudden movements or misalignment of elevator components may occur during construction.
There are regulatory standards that apply. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires elevator shafts to be properly guarded, covered, and marked. Also, fall protection is mandatory when working near open shafts.
Liability can be tricky in construction accidents. Employers, contractors, and property owners may be liable if safety standards are not followed. Victims can typically pursue workers’ compensation, but third-party personal injury claims may also be possible, depending on fault. If a fatality occurs, surviving families may pursue wrongful death lawsuits.
Construction companies should have preventive measures in place to prevent these accidents from occurring. Some safety tips include:
- Install permanent or temporary barriers.
- Conduct regular site inspections and enforce safety protocols.
- Provide fall protection training.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Construction sites are inherently dangerous. There are so many elements involved, and one wrong move can easily cause a worker to suffer serious injuries or even death.
Construction accidents can result in significant injuries, disability, time off work, and other damages. Get the help you need from a Morristown construction accident injury attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We can help you understand your options for making a successful financial recovery, and how exactly we can help you to do so. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
newjersey.news12.com/construction-worker-dies-of-injuries-sustained-on-newark-site
