Worker Suffers Head Trauma in Construction Accident
Construction work is necessary but often dangerous. Workers can get injured while working with equipment.
This was recently the situation in New Jersey. A construction worker was seriously injured in a construction site accident. The accident happened in Bergen County on the morning of January 14.
The worker, a 56-year-old man, was at a construction site in the 1500 block of Valley Brook Avenue in Lyndhurst. While working, he was hit in the head by the bucket of an excavator.
The man suffered severe injuries and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson for medical treatment. Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) arrived at the construction site to investigate.
Excavator Bucket Injuries
Excavator bucket injuries can occur during construction, demolition, or excavation activities due to the heavy weight, sharp edges, and high-pressure movements of the bucket. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma, including fractures, crush injuries, or even fatalities. Here’s a look at some common causes:
- Operator error. An excavator operator may misjudge the proximity of workers to the bucket due to lack of attention or proper training.
- Poor communication. There may be a failure to use clear signals or two-way communication between the operator and the ground crew.
- Equipment malfunctions. Hydraulic failures or detached buckets can cause injuries to others. So can broken pins or improperly secured attachments.
- Inadequate safety measures. A lack of warning systems (such as alarms or cameras) can lead to an accident. A lack of protective barriers in the work zone can cause injuries to nearby workers.
- Unintended movements. Accidental bucket swings can occur due to improper controls or unstable ground conditions.
Excavator accidents can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Some common injuries include:
- Crush injuries. These can result from the bucket pinning a body part against another surface.
- Lacerations and amputations. These are caused by sharp bucket edges or pinch points.
- Head injuries. These can occur when a worker is struck by the bucket or falling debris.
- Spinal and limb fractures. These result from impacts or crushes.
Some ways to prevent excavator injuries include:
- Ensuring operators are properly trained and certified.
- Using radios, hand signals, and spotters to coordinate activities.
- Inspecting buckets, pins, and hydraulic systems frequently.
- Securing attachments properly before use.
- Use physical barriers or flags to mark work zones.
- Using cameras and mirrors to improve visibility.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Construction sites can be dangerous, especially when tractors and other heavy equipment are involved. A person can get hit by a tractor and suffer serious injuries or even death.
If you have been involved in a construction accident, get the help you need from a Morristown construction accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We focus on keeping our clients and their families highly informed and involved throughout the legal process. We will work to secure you the compensation you need and deserve. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/lyndhurst/construction-worker-rushed-to-hospital-with-head-trauma-in-lyndhurst-accident-police/
