Construction sites are subject to a variety of unfortunate situations, including accidents that cause serious injury. Sometimes these accidents can be avoided, while others are just part of the everyday risk of working in the construction industry. A recent construction accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, caused a worker to be rushed to a hospital.
The accident happened on Oct. 16 on S. Gordon Road, where construction workers were pouring concrete for the second floor of a two-story home. The man was standing on a board and it collapsed, causing the man to fall about 25 feet.
When Fort Lauderdale firefighters arrived at the accident scene, they saw debris that had fallen when the beam collapsed. They also tended to the man, and he was transported to Broward Health Medical Center for medical treatment. The extent of his injuries and current condition is unknown.
Construction accidents can be fatal, especially when a fall of such a great height is involved. Any variety of injuries can occur, including head trauma, broken bones and serious lacerations. In extreme cases, amputations and other permanent disabilities can occur.
After a construction accident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is typically called to the scene to investigate. Many times, the accident is something that could not have been avoided. Sometimes, the employers are at fault because they fail to enforce proper safety precautions. Many construction companies work on tight deadlines, and therefore, cut corners. This can often lead to a lack of focus on safety.
Those injured at the workplace – whether on a construction site, retail establishment, office, warehouse or other jobsite – have legal rights. Workers’ compensation benefits are usually available for injured employees. When they are not, the employee has the right to sue the employer for financial compensation, depending on how the accident occurred and the severity of the injuries.
Source: CBS Miami, “Worker Hurt In Ft. Lauderdale Construction Accident” No author given, Oct. 16, 2013
