A Montclair State University residence hall construction project in Little Falls, New Jersey was struck with tragedy on Thursday, August 13, 2009, when a hydraulic lift tipped over. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, two construction workers suffered broken limbs and other injuries when the hydraulic lift they were using fell over around 2 p.m. on Thursday. Both of the injured laborers were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson for treatment of their serious injuries from the construction site accident.
The workers are part of a building project which is currently under construction on the New Jersey college campus in Little Falls. The building is slotted to be a six-story residence hall when the construction project on the Montclair State University campus is completed. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Construction projects are hazardous and dangerous to all who are involved including contractors, supervisors, work site employees, laborers, and passersby. Owners and general contractors have a legal obligation to maintain a safe working environment for their employees. They must also maintain the security of the site and equipment.
There are numerous federal and state agencies like the U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) http://www.osha.gov and the Department of Labor (DOL) http://www.dol.gov that require owners and general contractors to implement proper safety regulations and protocols to maintain a safe work environment. The following are some of the common reasons why workers suffer serious, debilitating, and life-altering injuries including death when constructions site accidents occur:
- Negligence
- Reckless behavior
- Falling objects
- Defective scaffolds and ladders
- Failure to follow proper safety guidelines
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment
- Insufficient security
- Exposure to hazardous or toxic materials
- Slipping, tripping, or falling
- Broken handrails or stairs
If you have been injured in a construction site or demolition project accident you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and injuries. Contacting an experienced New York construction injury attorney as soon as possible may help you recover.
New York construction/demolition injury education by Jonathan C. Reiter, a New York construction accident lawyer. http://www.jcreiterlaw.com/ Phone: 212-736-0979.
