Backhoe Accident Proves Fatal
A construction worker outside of Atlanta, Georgia, didn’t make it home after work last week. He was killed when he was crushed by a backhoe. Both local authorities and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the accident to determine a cause.
“”The operator of a backhoe backed over (him),” said Alpharetta Public Safety Department spokesperson George Gordon. “We conducted an investigation and everything to date looks like it was a tragic accident.”
The worker was employed by D&H Construction Co., which has contracted with the county to work on water lines. The crew was laying water pipes when the accident occurred.
As is standard when a construction accident is fatal, OSHA will be doing its own investigation. And, unlike local authorities, OSHA investigators are looking for how the accident could have been prevented and whether any safety rules were violated on the job site.
According to a backhoe safety manual from OSHA, the typical construction backhoe can weigh from 12,000 to 16,000 pounds. Serious and fatal accidents can result when they are not properly operated.
Significant safety checks should be done every time a backhoe is put to work, including an assessment of the condition of the operator. OSHA warns that someone who is tired or hungry, or even under extreme emotional stress, shouldn’t operate the machine as they may have a difficult time staying focused. In addition, bad weather, less than ideal working conditions, and other people can distract the operator, leading to potential tragedy.
While local officials say the accident in Georgia was nothing more than that — a “tragic accident” — OSHA will take the position that this (like most other construction accidents) was preventable.
In particular, there is an area behind the backhoe known as the “danger area,” according to OSHA. It’s here that the operator’s vision isn’t always clear, and someone could run the risk of being hurt when they are not spotted in time. They recommend that any worker moving within the danger area make eye contact with the backhoe operator in order to ensure they understand someone is there.
The bottom line is that most, if not all, construction accidents are preventable. Through proper job safety, training, and oversight, accidents like this one don’t have to happen. But when they do, there are opportunities for workers to get justice.
The construction accident attorneys of Ginarte are committed to helping people who are hurt in serious construction accidents. Whether you were electrocuted or hit by a work truck, we may be able to help. Contact us today at 888-GINARTE to discuss your case.
