Pennsylvania workers in the construction industry know that safety is paramount to everyone on a building site. Sometimes, employers and other workers are lax about safety, and even when everyone is attempting to perform jobs with safety in mind, accidents such as falls or collapsing structures can occur. In another state, two men working a demolition night shift were injured in such an occurrence.
The accident is still under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the local police department, though police state they don't expect foul play at this time. The incident occurred as a crew was working to demolish part of a Ruby Tuesdays. The restaurant was connected to a local mall and was being torn down to make room for another eatery.
According to reports, an incident occurred at around 11 p.m. on Dec. 26. A group of workers were removing the outside brick of one wall. Concrete from above them began to fall, striking at least three workers.
Two men were injured during the accident. According to rescue workers, rubble that was over the men had been removed by fellow workers before emergency crews arrived. Both men were taken to a local hospital for treatment. According to reports, one man suffered minor injuries. The second worker, a 25-year-old man, died at the hospital due to injuries sustained in the accident.
A spokesperson for the local police stated that they believe this is a tragic accident. Though police may not find criminal evidence regarding the accident, OSHA or other investigators may find errors or negligence leading to the incident. Even without such findings, injured workers may have a case for a workers' compensation claim, and family of someone killed in such an incident may also have grounds for a compensation claim through civil court.
Source: CBS Chicago, "Worker Dies From Injuries In Construction Collapse At Vernon Hills Mall" No author given, Dec. 27, 2013
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