Man Killed in Scotch Plains Construction Accident
Construction work is not easy. It can be very dangerous, especially since heavy equipment is often used. In some cases, employees can get into serious or even fatal accidents.
Sadly, this was recently the case in Scotch Plains. A man was performing demo work on a house when he was hit with a backhoe bucket. The worker died from his injuries.
The fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of August 12 in the 2000 block of Mountain Avenue. Scotch Plains police were alerted that a construction worker had suffered a head injury after he was accidentally hit with the bucket of a backhoe during the demolition of a house.
Local police, firefighters, and medical personnel all arrived at the accident scene to assist. They located a man with severe head trauma and rendered medical aid. The victim was transported to Overlook Hospital in Summit by Union County Ambulance. However, he later died.
The man’s identification was not disclosed pending notification to his family members. The incident appears to be accidental, but is still under investigation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and responded to the accident scene. The agency will be conducting their own investigation as well.
Backhoe Injuries
Backhoe injuries can be serious due to the heavy machinery involved. Common types of backhoe injuries include:
- Struck-by accidents. This occurs when workers are hit by moving parts, swinging arms, or falling loads. The backhoe’s bucket or arm can strike workers, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. That is what happened in this situation.
- Crushing injuries. This is often caused by being caught between the backhoe and another object, or being pinned by the equipment. An operator or bystander may be crushed if the machine rolls over or if a bucket or arm moves unexpectedly.
- Run-over accidents. An operator may accidentally run over a worker or bystander due to limited visibility or lack of communication. Backing up without proper signaling or supervision can result in someone being run over.
- Operating on uneven ground or slopes can cause a backhoe to roll over. If a backhoe rolls over, the operator can be seriously injured, especially if not wearing a seatbelt.
- Falls from equipment. Loss of balance while climbing in or out of the backhoe can cause a person to fall. Falling from the cab or from heights while servicing the machine can lead to broken bones or head injuries.
- Workers can get caught in moving parts, such as the tracks or wheels. Clothing or limbs can get trapped, leading to amputations or severe lacerations.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Working with construction tools and equipment is not always safe. One wrong move can lead to tragedy, as seen in this case.
A Morristown construction accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you with filing a claim if you or a loved one has been injured or killed on a construction site. Call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/union-county/2024/08/13/scotch-plains-nj-construction-accident-leaves-man-dead-police-say/74782515007/
