Construction Worker Crushed in Trench
Trenches are a potential hazard of working in construction. While there are many safety standards and protocols designed to prevent trench collapses, accidents do happen — and when they do, the results are frequently tragic.
One Toronto construction worker, who was working on a project to install a sewer line, was killed when a concrete latch fell on him, crushing him.
According to DesignBuildSource.ca, the man may have been in a trench as deep as 25 feet, not unheard of on sites where sewer lines are being laid. By the time emergency workers recovered the man, he had died from his injuries.
While cave-ins are the most common source of trench accidents, falling objects like this one are a hazard on any job site. Tools and materials falling from above can cause serious head injuries. When the falling object is a large piece of concrete, however, the injuries can be far worse.
Because investigations into this fatal accident are ongoing, further details about what happened are not available.
As a construction worker, you put your life and well-being on the line every day you go to work. You work in one of the most dangerous fields in existence. Countless safeguards are in place to ensure accidents don’t happen. From the training you receive, to the clothing you wear, on a construction site, it seems everything has a purpose — and that purpose is risk management.
When an accident happens, however, fingers are immediately pointed. Your supervisor, his supervisor, the owner of the work site, the worker’s compensation administrator, and even you will look at who is to blame. Even the safest worker is at risk of being injured on a site where the equipment is outdated or where coworkers lack training.
The fact is, your employer and job site owner have a responsibility to keep you safe. Even the tool manufacturers have some level of responsibility for your well-being. And when these people fall short of their responsibilities, they can be held accountable.
If you are seriously injured in a construction accident, the construction accident attorneys of Ginarte may be able to help. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact us today at 888-GINARTE to discuss the details of your case and your legal options.
