On behalf of Smiley & Smiley, LLP posted in Construction Accidents on Thursday, October 30, 2014.
Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Workers can be exposed to hazardous chemicals, heavy machinery and equipment and countless other dangers. Although safety measures can be put in place by employers, construction accidents can still happen and workers can be injured. A recent accident that occurred in the New York City area may be a testament to some hidden dangers of construction work, as well, because workers were not only injured, but they may have been exposed to asbestos.
In Mineola, New York, recently, two construction workers were inside an old city building, when part of the building's ceiling fell down. A reinforced portion of concrete fell on top of the two workers, trapping them. However, that was not the only danger. Since the old building was being prepped by an environmental cleaning team for the removal of asbestos, the incident caused the substance to spread. Police helped free the trapped workers, who were decontaminated and then transported to a hospital for treatment. Reportedly, the workers sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Besides the two construction workers, 17 other people were within the area when the accident occurred, but were able to escape the falling debris. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration started an investigation regarding the incident. A police detective from Nassau County indicated that engineers will verify the structural integrity of the building, which is being renovated to be used for family court legal proceedings.
Being injured in the workplace is always a possibility, especially when a New Yorker's line of work is known to have significant risks, such as construction. Contracting occupational diseases are a possibility, as well. Workers who encounter such predicaments may file a workers' compensation claim to obtain possible benefits to help with medical expenses, lost wages and other expenses during recovery.
Source: CBS Local New York, "Two Construction Workers Trapped When Ceiling Collapses In Mineola," Oct. 17, 2014
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