As the American population continues to expand, we face a need to constantly improve and extend our living areas. As a result, the construction industry thrives, in New York and across the nation. Whether constructing housing, roads or commercial structures, the sight of an ongoing construction project is familiar to all Americans. Unfortunately, construction accidents are also common, and can result in serious injury or even death to those who work within this vital industry.
A recent accident in Queens underscores the risks that construction workers face on a daily basis. A man was working in or near a 25-foot trench in Queens, New York when he became stuck in the mud at the bottom of the hole. It is unclear what type of accident led to the eventual need for emergency assistance.
Firefighters and other responders flooded the scene, and worked rapidly for over two hours to rescue a worker who was trapped in mud up to his waist. In addition to human labor, the rescue effort included access to backhoes, ropes and cranes. In the end, the construction worker was extricated from the trench and rushed to a local hospital, where he is listed in stable condition as of the time of this report.
Construction accidents are a reality within the industry, and workers are aware of the dangers implied in their chosen field of employment. In the majority of cases, employers make every effort to ensure the safety of their workers. However, there are instances in which these obligations are not adequately addressed. The cause of this particular accident has not yet been determined, although is reported that the site in question has at least four open violations. When a worker is injured due to negligence on the part of management, there are avenues of legal recourse available.
Source: New York Daily News, “Dramatic rescue in Queens as firefighters pull fallen construction worker from 25-foot trench,” Matthew Perlman, June 19, 2013