Small-town Hero Dies in Construction Fall
Thirty-seven-year-old Lateef Haskins was killed recently while working at a State University College job in Oswego. The accident happened as Haskins was installing metal decking on a University building. According to Syracuse.com, this isn’t the first time that Haskins made headlines, though.
The news report indicates that Haskins had previously been featured after he helped save neighbors from a burning house. This most recent tragic accident, however, happened under extremely common circumstances.
Falls are the number one cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. The Syracuse.com report describes the incident:
Haskins was working for Solvay Iron Works, a subcontractor on the project, when he fell, said Julie Harrison Blissert, speaking for Oswego State.
The accident occurred at about 8:25 a.m. as he was installing metal decking on a new connector area between Park and Wilber halls, Blissert said.
The Oswego City Fire Department ambulance took Haskins to Oswego Hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, Blissert said.
As with any fatal construction accident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating. Law enforcement and Solvay Iron Works are also investigating. All of these agencies will try to determine what caused the accident, including if it was preventable and how future, similar accidents can be avoided.
With three different agencies investigating, there is a chance three different findings will emerge. While each will claim to offer impartial and unbiased results of their investigation, the findings they report when it’s all said and done will be proof of whether or not the investigation was truly objective.
Frequently, after a construction injury accident, multiple parties will investigate, but often they will place blame in different areas. Unfortunately for you, the injured worker, your employer’s investigation will sometimes place the blame directly on your shoulders.
The fact is, your employer has a responsibility to keep you safe from injury. This includes keeping the job site itself free from unnecessary hazards, offering proper training to you and your coworkers, and ensuring you have the proper safety equipment. When they fall short and an accident happens, they can be held responsible.
How a construction accident attorney can help
When you are hurt in a construction accident, it can feel like you are up against a wall—injured and unable to work but fighting with your employer to get some sort of help. The New York and New Jersey construction accident lawyers of Ginarte may be able to help.
We represent construction workers who are hurt in fall accidents, excavation accidents, and more. Call us today to discuss your case at 888-GINARTE.
