College campuses in Florida and other parts of the country are expanding in order to handle the influx of students that are enrolling. These expansion efforts require skilled construction workers who can work effectively and safely. However, the construction industry is not particularly known for its safe work environment. Accidents are common because of the machinery and equipment involved. An accident recently occurred at the University of North Dakota campus, injuring one worker.
A crane crew with the Minnesota-based construction company Landwehr Construction had finished pilings for a new bridge on the campus’ south side. The crew was taking apart the boom on the morning of Oct. 4 and putting the sections on semi-truck trailers so they could be hauled away. As the crane was being disassembled, a piece fell from the truck bed, injuring a worker from Meyer Contracting, based in Minneapolis. The man was helping the crane crew when the boom part hit the man’s lower right leg.
The worker may have suffered a broken leg. He is being treated at Grand Forks’ Altru Hospital.
Construction companies are often forced to focus on meeting short deadlines, so unfortunately, safety is not always a high priority. However, those who are not properly trained are more likely to become involved in construction accidents. Even when one is properly trained, accidents can and do occur.
Is the company liable for the accident? Did the employer fail to train the man on proper lifting techniques? The man will likely receive workers’ compensation benefits for his injuries; however, injured employees may be able to sue their employer for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages in some cases, as well.
Source: The Jamestown Sun, “Worker injured in crane accident at UND” No author given, Oct. 05, 2013
