Falls are one of the most common and most hazardous causes of serious injury or even death to construction workers in Minnesota. These accidents continue to happen despite clear and strict laws as outlined by the Occupational Safety Health Administration. It is for this reason that OSHA must investigate certain incidents and even issue penalties in some cases where negligence is identified.
In the summer of 2015, a construction worker was part of a team performing repairs on a parking garage in Wisconsin. The man worked for a company that was based in Farmington, Minnesota. During the course of the work being conducted, the man fell through a concrete floor. Upon falling a total of nine feet, the victim sustained serious and traumatic injuries.
A recent decision handed down by OSHA indicates that the accident was and should have been preventable. The company that the man worked for was fined and must pay nearly $45,000 in conjunction with the incident. Reports indicate that OSHA noted that the company did not secure holes through which workers could fall nor did it appropriately label potential fall hazards such as holes. The failure to provide adequate fall protection was also noted.
Construction workers deserve the right to know that their work environments are safe and that their employers follow all safety laws and procedures. When this does not happen, help is needed. Contacting an attorney after a workplace accident may be a wise course of action for any injured worker or a family member of an injured worker.
Source: Business Insurance, “Construction firm faces fine after worker falls 9 feet,” Gloria Gonzalez, December 4, 2015
