Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. Consider the fact that they are literally building structures, exposing themselves to some of the most susceptible moments that a structure will experience. In some cases, this ends with buildings collapsing on top of workers, as it recently did during a construction accident that recently occurred at a church that is undergoing an expansion to ensure that 750 worshippers can use the space comfortably. Construction has been going on since June and is expected to be completed by April 2014, but this estimate could be pushed back due to the recent incident.
According to reports, three individuals suffered injuries when they were working on an area of the church that came crashing down. The pastor of the church said that some roof trusses failed and came crashing to the ground. On top of this, a steel high beam fell and landed on top of the trusses. An official with the construction company said that the workers were using scissor lifts at the time of the incident, barring the debris from collapsing onto them. In reality though, emergency personnel had to free them because they were trapped beneath it. Once free, they were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Their conditions were not reported.
Similar accidents can happen all over Ohio since construction happen here, as well. Consequences of such accidents could be much worse. Some construction workers have become permanently disabled due to injuries they have suffered while on the job. This is why safety is of the utmost importance. Those that are exposed to potentially hazardous situations and find themselves injured because of them should consider holding their employers responsible for the costs created by the injuries. Depending on the severity of the damage, an injured construction worker may be paying for care for the rest of her or his life.
Source:
KARE 11, “3 hurt in construction accident at Nisswa church” Allen Costantini, Sep. 21, 2013