In the construction trade, unfortunately, there are many imminent risks to the safety and lives of workers. Recently, many individuals have been harmed, even in situations where every safety precaution is observed. Construction sites are inherently dangerous due to heavy machinery, unstable structures, and unpredictable environmental conditions. Workers often operate in high-risk zones like scaffolding, underground tunnels, or near live electrical wiring. Even with strict safety protocols, human error, mechanical failure, or negligence can still lead to serious accidents.

Take a look at a few more recent incidents

In New York City, a construction worker was killed by a tunnel collapse in early November. Michael O’Brien was helping to build a new train station about 120 feet under Long Island when the roof suddenly collapsed on him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. New York City has seen more than 24 construction workers die in recent years. In Cypress-Fairbanks, a suburb of Houston, Texas, Peltier Brothers Construction is being sued by Herbert Celestine. According to a report, Celestine was slammed into a wall and pushed into a pit by a careless crane operator. The lawsuit alleges negligence and gross negligence, with Celestine seeking the full cost of all damages and attorney’s fees.

Unforeseen Accidents and Employer Negligence

Sometimes, accidents just happen. Shaun Hunter, 27, of Alvarado, Texas, was unaware of an air-powered staple gun just above his head. He lifted his head, accidentally bumping the safety on the staple gun. The result was a 2 ½” staple being shot through both halves of his brain deep into his head. A local doctor noted that Hunter’s chances of death were high, but somehow the staple missed every major artery in his brain. He was able to fill out paperwork for the paramedics as he arrived at the local hospital, and he even noted that he felt no pain.

A Northern Ireland construction company was fined £60,000 for its role in the death of Colin Glass, 53. Glass drove his dump truck down the side of a steep incline, resulting in his death. Among the allegations against the company, Drumdollagh, were a faulty brake, clutch, and seat belt in the truck. Additionally, the company placed no protection or warnings of a steep edge. The company had also been served three warnings of safety violations in the two years prior to the accident.