The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are following a story that is emerging in our nation’s capital. A construction worker was killed yesterday in an accident on the roof of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It appears that the worker, who was employed by the general contractor Clark/Smoot/Russell Construction, was working on metal panels on the roof of the museum when he was caught underneath a scaffold that collapsed on top of him.
The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation. Investigators will likely focus on the company and individuals responsible for erecting the scaffold. The injured construction worker was lowered from the roof by a crane and rushed by emergency personnel to a nearby hospital where doctors and medical professionals attempted to stave off his death. Tragically, he was pronounced dead later in the day.
Construction has been ongoing at the yet-to-open museum for some time. Officials have anticipated that the museum, which is located on a massive plot on DC’s National Mall, would open some time next year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who loved the innocent victim of this tragedy.
This type of accident underscores the dangers associated with construction work. If worker safety is an issue under an intense spotlight like the construction of a national museum in our nation’s capital, think how frightening conditions can be during a renovation of a bodega in a place like Corona, Queens when nobody is watching.
Workers are always confronted with dangerous situations at construction sites. It is part of their job and it is why we have to fight for their rights. They build our cities and shape our skylines, no small contribution. We depend on them and their workmanship every time we enter a foyer, climb a set of stairs or sit on a balcony. We sometimes take them for granted when we enjoy a city view. It is incumbent upon us to make sure our laws provide the greatest possible protection so that those who violate worker safety laws and expose innocent people to serious injury and death are held accountable.
Block O’Toole & Murphy is a law firm committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers. We take pride in our efforts to promote and strengthen the worker safety laws in this country. You may contact us anytime for a free consultation by calling 212-736-5300. To learn more about the firm review the firm website at www.blockotoole.com.