As Miami construction workers know, building structures is not the safest job around. The combination of materials, equipment and heights makes accidents common. In addition, many construction workers are not properly trained by employers, making serious injuries and even death more likely to occur. Unfortunately, a construction accident in Oregon caused one death, with several others injured.
The accident happened on the afternoon of Sept. 6 in Sandy, Oregon, where workers with Stalcup Roofing & Construction were building a new home. The workers were in the process of building the roof. A crane was lifting trusses onto the house when one of them tipped over, causing the other 12 trusses to fall over inside the house.
The falling trusses fatally injured one worker. Another worker suffered serious injuries and had to be transported by helicopter to a local hospital. Two other workers were also hurt, but their injuries were minor. They were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating the incident to determine exactly what happened. According to the Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board, Stalcup Roofing & Construction has an expired contractor’s license and bond. However, the owner of the company says that his license renewal has been submitted, but has not yet been processed.
Despite various safety measures in place, construction accidents will continue to happen because it’s hard to anticipate many of them. However, it is possible that the crane operator was improperly trained as to how to lift the trusses and place them on the house’s roof. Operating heavy equipment requires skill and training and any type of distraction can cause an accident.
Will the construction company be held liable for the injuries and death? If so, those injured in the accident may wish to seek compensation from the company in order to pay for medical bills. In addition, the family of the deceased victim may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, which can help compensate for financial and emotional damages.
Source: KATU.com, “One dead, three injured in construction accident” Bob Heye, Sep. 07, 2013
