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Unfortunately, construction fatalities seem to be an almost weekly occurrence in the state of New York. It seems shocking that so many construction workers are dying in an advanced, first-world nation. Many people believe New York to be the center of the world, but the Big Apple is clearly not a world leader in construction safety. More needs to be done to address these issues, and the latest death in New York only stresses the importance of this.
When governments fail to provide adequate safety for New York construction workers, the legal system must step in and hold at-fault parties accountable. By taking action against those responsible, we can improve the survival rate for construction workers who are just trying to earn an honest living. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you should reach out to a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You can also file a wrongful death claim with the help of an attorney if your loved one has passed away on a New York construction site.
Construction Worker Dies After Trench Collapse
In March of 2021, it was reported that a construction worker had lost his life after a trench collapse. The incident occured on a residential construction site in the neighborhood of Hudson Valley, Woodbury. Woodbury police reported that the worker was working in a 10-foot trench when the walls suddenly collapsed. The worker did not survive the collapse. He was just 43 years old.
Concerns about proper safety measures have immediately been raised. Police have stated that there was no safety box in the trench. These safety boxes protect workers from collapses, and it is not clear why this important piece of equipment was not used. With this piece of information in mind, it should come as no surprise that the incident is currently under investigation.
What is a Safety Box?
A safety box is also known as a trench shield or a trench sheet, and it is a safety system recommended by the OHSA. This system does not stop the trench from collapsing, but it does provide workers with solid protection against the pressures and weight of the soil when a cave-in occurs. The OHSA states that trench boxes (or another type of approved safety system) should be used whenever trenches are deeper than five feet.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
After the 43-year-old construction worker’s death, it is likely that his family will have the opportunity to file a wrongful death claim. The trench was 10 feet deep, which means that a safety box should have been in place. Violating the OSHA’s guidelines is a clear sign of negligence, which means that his man’s family will have the opportunity to receive significant compensation.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been injured at a New York construction site due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to The Glassman Law Group at your earliest convenience. We can help you get the compensation you need to cover missed wages, medical expenses, and other damages. In order to improve safety standards for construction in New York, average citizens like you must step up and take action.