Construction workers’ accidents: 3 injured in building collapse

Those who work in construction in New York are likely aware of the potential dangers they face while they complete their job responsibilities. While added safety precautions can prevent some construction workers’ accidents, they can still occur. Unfortunately, three workers were recently injured when part of the building they were working on collapsed.

The incident happened one afternoon on a day in June. The construction project reportedly involved adding a third-story to a two-story structure. Unfortunately, the upper portion of the structure is said to have collapsed, trapping three construction workers. One of the workers, a 37-year-old man, was reportedly able to free himself before firefighters arrived at the scene; he suffered serious injuries.

The other two workers, a 40-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, required extrication. Crews were able to free the older man relatively quickly, but the younger man was reportedly trapped under thousands of pounds of debris. A paramedic was able to provide medication intravenously during the extrication process, but the man was said to have been alert and in a great deal of pain. Both workers are listed in critical condition.

The incident remains under investigation, including whether building materials were placed on the roof of the building rather than on lower levels as required. In the meantime, the three injured workers likely have a long road to recovery and may never be able to return to work in the same position. Fortunately, victims of construction workers’ accidents are often entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits to help them cope with medical bills and lost wages. Because many workers are unable to focus on the compensation process during recovery, many in New York often ask an experienced professional to help them with the process.

Source: CBS New York, “Three Workers Hurt, Rescued In Astoria Construction Accident“, June 20, 2017