New York construction workers might have witnessed or have been involved in accidents on the job site. Some are minor, while others are serious in nature or even fatal. No matter the results, these types of accidents are serious and should be prevented. This is why it is crucial to understand how it occurred so it can be prevented.
A 34-year-old man is recovering from construction injuries to his right arm after it got caught in an auger while performing soil tests. The North Dakota man, an employee for Northern Technologies Company, was working on a job site when his arm got caught in a soil auger.
It is believed that the construction accident was caused when the auger pulled him in after his clothing got stuck in it. Fortunately, he was able to break free with help from his co-workers. He suffered extensive injuries to the arm and hand. His current condition is unknown.
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the nation. Even something seemingly minor, such as getting stuck on a tool, like the man in this case, could cause serious injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration works with employers to keep workers safe, but accidents still occur at a rate much higher than desirable.
At the very least, the injured man may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits help those injured in the workplace recover compensation for lost wages and medical expenses. However, the benefit amount may be limited, such as only up to 80 percent of one’s weekly wage in some cases.
If it can be proven that the employer was held negligent in some way, it may be possible to also file a personal injury lawsuit against the employer. The award amount could be much greater and allow the victim to receive the medical treatment needed to recover. In these situations, it is important that the injured worker understand their options. This will allow them to take appropriate actions in the situation.
Source: WDAZ, “West Fargo man injured at construction site,” Feb. 11, 2013