Falling cinderblock causes severe workplace injuries

Construction workers in New York have to face multiple safety hazards on a daily basis. Almost every aspect of construction work poses dangers that may cause severe workplace injuries or, in some cases, fatalities. Despite the extensive list of safety regulations that are prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers continue to allow employees to work without personal protective equipment.

After two fatalities in the New York construction industry earlier this year, a worker suffered critical injuries when he was struck on the head by a heavy cinderblock. Reportedly, the incident occurred on a recent Friday afternoon at a construction site in Brooklyn. Authorities said the 44-year-old man suffered severe head trauma after the cinderblock, which fell from about five feet above, hit him.

He was rushed to a medical facility for treatment of critical injuries. Two fatal construction accidents occurred in New York in April. On April 1, a worker died after he was struck by debris and fell to his death, and on April 21, while dismantling a scaffolding structure, another worker suffered fatal injuries. It is unknown whether any of these workers were wearing personal protective equipment at the time of the incidents.

This injured worker will be able to obtain financial help through the New York workers’ compensation insurance program. Medical expenses and lost income will be covered by the benefits. In cases in which fatal workplace injuries are suffered, the surviving family members may claim death benefits that will cover end-of-life expenses along with a portion of lost wages to help covered dependents with basic expenses in the time immediately after a worker’s death.

Source: NY Daily News, “Construction worker injured after cinderblock falls on his head at Brooklyn work site“, Rocco Parascandola, July 23, 2016