Construction Worker Killed By Equipment In Queens While Working On Underground Water Sewer System
QUEENS, NEW YORK (October 10, 2024) – A construction worker has tragically died in a Queens accident near 31st Street and 34th Avenue.
New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 10:20 a.m. on Monday. A 54-year-old man was working on an underground water sewage system.
He was hit in the head by a falling piece of equipment. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the man.
Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Queens Construction Accidents
Thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured every year in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In 2022, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.4 percent of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry accounted for close to half, 47.4 percent, of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2022.” There are a number of common causes of fatal workplace accidents.
- Falls
- Faulty equipment
- Electrocutions
- Struck-by accidents
All companies have a legal obligation to provide their workers with a reasonably safe environment. Building owners and general contractors are strictly liable for gravity-related accidents under New York Labor Law 240. This includes instances when a worker falls or is struck by a falling object. Victims of construction accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
The vast majority of workplace fatalities are completely preventable. They tend to involve situations where companies are committing safety violations. For example, a company may not provide their workers with hard hats or other protective equipment. The family of any construction worker who died in an accident may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating New York City Construction Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the construction worker who died in this accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a Queens construction accident? Our team of construction safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
