Recently, a nineteen year old worker died while working on a home in West Springfield that was damaged by the June 1, 2011 tornado that destroyed and damaged many properties in the Western Massachusetts area. The worker fell four stories from the roof to the basement of the damaged home. The worker was working with a crew a re-frame the house.
This recent death created the need to make sure proper safety measures are taken to prevent such a fall. Falls are the #1 cause of work related fatalities according to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). In 2010, there were 4,070 work related deaths. One fifth of those fatalities (or 18.5%) were construction related. Also according to OSHA, the second highest violation of OSHA standards is Fall Protection in Construction. While the number one reason for fatal injuries was due to fall from a different level.
OSHA has been investigating the death of this young man but it has been ruled accidental. It is unclear if the worker was wearing a harness or taking other safety measures at the time of the accident. It is important that such measures be taken to prevent falls such as using a harness or guardrails.
OSHA regulations state that any worker such as roofers, electricians, and bridge workers who are working at heights higher than six feet should wear a harness attached to a lanyard anchored to something that can withstand 5,000 pounds of force.
The problem is not the regulations but enforcing the worker's to take such measures. According to Michael Florio, "The biggest problem is getting our workers to use the equipment. It is a case of 'I am only going to do it for a second'," he said. "'I'm only going to go up on that roof to nail something down for a second.' How long does it take to fall?"
OSHA certified training classes are a good way to educate workers on the safety requirements and equipment to prevent injury and even death. Workers, especially in construction, need to be aware of the hazards of being on the work site, as well as measures they can take to prevent a serious work related injury, such a brain or spinal cord injury.
As Massachusetts Workplace Injury Attorneys, we understand the issues an injured worker and their family has to deal with after an accident.
If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, call an experienced Boston Workplace accident attorney at Sheff Law at 617-227-7000 or 888-423-4477 (toll free) to schedule a free of charge initial consultation.
Proper safety measures for construction workers could prevent work-place injuries or deaths says Western Massachusetts occupational safety official Sandra Constantine, The Republican
