Whenever Colorado workers are on construction sites where there are cranes or other construction equipment, their lives may be at risk. There are specific safety guidelines for owners of construction companies. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require employers to comply with safety regulations and ensure that workers are protected from being injured at work.
An electrician who was working on a construction site in another state suffered critical injuries on a recent Wednesday morning. A sheriff’s report indicates that the workplace accident occurred on the site of a property development project. It was reported that the electrician was working directly under an 180-foot tower of a crane that was being assembled. For unexplained reasons, one of the 40-pound pins bounced out as workers at the top of the crane were attempting to put it in place.
The heavy pin dropped to the ground and struck the electrician on his back. The supervisor apparently claimed that he warned the electrical workers to move away from under the crane, but his order was not obeyed. The accident will likely be investigated by OSHA.
The injuries that this man suffered might have life-changing consequences if his spinal cord was damaged when he was struck in the back. Although the nature of his injuries was not disclosed, such injuries can be disabling. Colorado workers who have been injured at work have the right to pursue benefits claims through the workers’ compensation insurance program. Along with medical expenses and lost income, additional compensation may be awarded in cases in which injuries caused temporary or permanent disabilities.
Source: postandcourier.com, “Worker critically injured at Courier Square construction site”, Dave Munday, Dec. 30, 2015
