Road construction crews nationwide, including on Oklahoma roads, are often exposed to life-threatening hazards. This is especially true when construction company owners disregard the multiple safety regulations that are prescribed to protect workers. Even the violation of only one safety rule can result in a fatal workplace injury.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that it is involved in an investigation into a tragic workplace accident that claimed the life of a 47-year-old construction worker in early April. The accident occurred at the site of a bridge construction over Interstate 90. An accident report indicates that several workers were on lift vehicles underneath the bridge on which an existing steel beam was being rigged for removal.
For reasons being investigated, the load apparently shifted, and the 187-foot steel beam that weighs about 45 tons fell onto the workers below. While one worker was killed in this incident, three others were fortunate enough to sustain only minor injuries. They were treated at the hospital and then released. OSHA is investigating the demolition company and the general contractor working on this project.
While nothing can undo this tragedy, the surviving family members of the man who suffered a fatal workplace injury may seek financial relief through the workers’ compensation insurance program. Some families in Oklahoma choose to utilize the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to pursue death benefits for them. Along with coverage for end-of-life expenses, benefits typically include compensation for a portion of the deceased individual’s lost income, designed to support surviving dependents.
Source: Des Plaines, IL. Patch, “Officials ID Construction Worker Killed in I-90 Beam Accident (UPDATED)“, April 5, 2016