Man Killed By Equipment At Construction Site
Cities often need more buildings to support a population, especially in New York, so construction is a necessity. However, building a structure requires materials, tools, and equipment. These factors can all be dangerous for the workers.
Unfortunately, a construction worker was recently killed while working on a construction site. The fatal accident occurred on the morning of October 7 in Queens.
A 54-year-old man from New Jersey was underground working on a water sewage system near 31st Street and 34th Avenue in Astoria. While working, a piece of equipment fell and hit him in the head.
Emergency crews arrived to help him, but the man died at the accident scene. The man was an employee of a private company, but his employer was unknown. Details about the equipment or how the incident occurred were also not known.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine exactly how the man died. The accident is still under investigation by police.
Dangers of Working on Water Sewage Systems
Working on a water sewage system poses some dangers. Here are some of the main risks:
- Slips, trips, and falls. Wet surfaces, uneven terrain, and slippery sludge increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Drowning risk. Workers can fall into water or tanks, leading to the risk of drowning, especially in deep or fast-moving water.
- Heavy machinery. The equipment used in wastewater management, such as pumps and vehicles, can pose a risk of injury if not handled properly.
- Biological hazards. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause infections and diseases. Workers are at risk of contracting waterborne illnesses like hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, and dysentery.
- Oxygen deficiency. Sewers and manholes are confined spaces where oxygen levels can drop to dangerous levels.
- Risk of explosion. Methane and other flammable gasses can accumulate in enclosed areas, increasing the risk of explosions.
- Limited Escape Routes: Confined spaces make it difficult to evacuate quickly in emergencies like gas leaks, equipment malfunctions, or sudden flooding.
- Electric shock. Sewage treatment plants and sewer systems often have electrical equipment. Working in a wet environment with exposed wires or faulty equipment increases the risk of electrocution.
- Flooding. Stormwater systems can become overwhelmed during heavy rains, leading to flooding and exposing workers to fast-moving water and debris.
- Collapse of structures. Sewers, pipes, or trenches may collapse during repair work, posing serious risks of injury or death.
Contact Us for More Information About Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Construction sites can be dangerous. When equipment hits a worker or is used improperly, it can cause a person to become seriously injured or even lose their life.
The workplace can be unsafe. If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a workplace accident, seek legal help from a White Plains workers’ compensation lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (914) 228-1770 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
gothamist.com/news/construction-worker-in-queens-dies-after-being-struck-by-equipment-police-say
