Construction workers’ accidents: Collapsing excavation kills 1

Excavations are some of the most dangerous areas on work sites, and if they are not adequately supported or shored, the walls may collapse. Every construction company owner knows this along with the mandated safety precautions that must be in place to prevent construction workers’ accidents. However, families in New York continue to lose loved ones in collapsing trenches or other excavations.

A recent collapse claimed the life of a 59-year-old worker at a work site on Long Island. Reportedly, a crew was working on the installation of a cesspool at a residence when the incident occurred. Reportedly, the man was busy directing a crane operator when the walls of the cesspool collapsed. Two workers were sucked into the sinkhole that formed.

One employee was fortunate to grab onto some construction material, and he managed to get out. Sadly, the other man was instantly covered with about 15 feet of mud and dirt. Apparently, this happened at about 1 p.m. on a recent Wednesday, and it took rescue workers approximately six hours to recover the body of the employee.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators arrived at the scene to determine whether this fatality resulted from a safety violation. Regardless, families who have lost loved ones in construction workers’ accidents are entitled to survivors’ benefits that they may claim from the workers’ compensation insurance system for New York. The insurance program aims to provide financial relief to cover end-of-life expenses and a portion of lost wages to help the surviving family members cope with day-to-day living expenses.

Source: ehstoday.com, “Worker Sucked Into Long Island Cesspool“, Sandy Smith, May 25, 2017