Two serious fall accidents have claimed the life of one worker and seriously injured another in separate New York City construction accidents, according to the Daily News.
Falls are a leading cause of New York work accidents, as well as serious and fatal work accidents nationwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, More than 230,000 work-related fall accidents have occurred in each of the last five years. Falls were the leading cause of workplace fatalities, claiming 4,670 lives in 2008.
On Friday, a contractor working on the Throgs Neck Bridge was hospitalized after slipping off a ladder and plunging 20 feet. The 45-year-old man was installing fence on the pedestal of the span's Queen's Tower when he fell shortly after 11 a.m., according to police.
A safety rope helped slow his fall but he slammed into the concrete below. Rescue workers climbed down from the roadway and carried him to the water, where a fire department boat was waiting to transport him to Fort Totten. From there, he was taken by ambulance to North Shore University Hospital. Officials say he suffered a broken arm and a head injury.
On Thursday, a 35-year-old man fell 50 feet to his death in a Brooklyn construction accident. Cause of his death remains under investigation although the Daily News reported that investigators do not believe he was wearing a safety harness.
His family blames faulty safety procedures at the site, where a residential building is under construction, according to the Daily News.
ABC6 reported that he was installing steel framework for the sixth floor of the residence when he fell.
If you or a family member has been involved in an accident at or near a construction site, contact the New York City construction accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 866-LifeLaw (866-543-3529).
