Worker dies at nearby construction site

In previous posts, we have written about the multitude of workers' compensation and wrongful death claims that arise from all over western Pennsylvania worksites. Today, sadly, we have another one; this accident took place at a nearby construction site. The fatal accident occurred earlier this month in northwestern Pennsylvania at a former steel mill being turned into a chemical plant. The man who was killed was a roofer employed by FM Home Improvement out of Danville, New Jersey, one of the subcontracted companies that was working on the mill's renovations.

The worker killed is a 20-year-old man who immigrated to this country from Central America when he was a young boy. At the time of the accident, the roofer was operating a Pettibone lift. The lift, which weighs approximately 30,000 pounds, began swaying back and forth, at which point the man apparently left the compartment designed to protect the operator. As he tried to escape, the piece of machinery tipped and the arm of the lift fell on him, crushing and instantly killing him.

After the accident, emergency response crews were called, but there was nothing they could do. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was also called to investigate the scene and an autopsy is planned.

In accidents such as this one, it is not uncommon for loved ones of the deceased to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While filing such a lawsuit will not bring the person back, it may make it easier for those left behind to move on with their lives.

Anyone who works on construction sites knows that they are dangerous places. Sharp tools and heavy equipment are routinely used and both pose the possibility of serious injury or worse. While it is unclear where the blame lies in this incident, it is an employer's duty to follow safety regulations to keep a site safe. If you have been injured on the job or you have lost someone to a construction accident, call the workers' compensation and wrongful death attorneys at Dugan & Associates at 412-922-0800 or 800-639-4314.