Worker Was Alone at Time of Fatal Gloucester Construction Site Accident
A fatal Gloucester construction site accident occurred when a 27-year-old worker was alone, according to the Essex District Attorney’s office. The worker, an employee of MD MacEachern Landscape and Construction, was discovered pinned between a small excavator and a steel I-beam at the site of a home renovation in Annsiquam by a second worker who arrived at the job site at 9:30 AM.
Emergency crews who were called to the scene found the man unresponsive. An initial investigation suggested that something became entangled in the controls of the excavator, pinning the worker between the excavator and the i-beam as he excavated a new foundation for a home. The home had been raised on the beams to provide room for the new foundation.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) was on scene conducting its own investigation after the accident on January 18. One area of focus will be why the worker was by himself at the time of the accident.
General contractors, subcontractors and construction supervisors have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. This includes observation for workers in dangerous situations, to ensure that safety procedures are followed and that conditions are appropriate for the work taking place.
As a rule, workers should not be in dangerous areas or operating machinery without supervision. Significant liability can arise when employees are told to begin work without supervision, or if they feel pressured to meet deadlines and undertake work on their own without following safety procedures. These situations are a significant contributor to wrongful death cases at construction sites.
The ongoing investigation of the Gloucester accident may reveal significant liability for supervisors. This accident also provides a reminder that everyone on a job site, from supervisors to workers, must make safety their top concern and follow established safety practices.
Sheff Law has extensive experience fighting for those who lose loved ones to construction site fatalities. We provide a team of lawyers to support survivors and fight for their rights in civil cases. There is no charge for our services unless a settlement is awarded. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-423-4477 to discuss your case.
