A 62-year-old construction worker fell to his death when he slipped and fell from a fire escape, causing him to plummet six stories down to the ground in the rear of 124 East 107th Street, East Harlem, New York. The victim was replacing the gutters of the building. Reports indicate that he was not utilizing a safety harness or any safety equipment while working at an elevated height. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who loved him.
An investigation by OSHA and the Department of Buildings is underway and will attempt to determine how and why the accident occurred. They will focus on whether those who were in charge of safety at the worksite provided the appropriate safety equipment.
Workers who labor at heights should be given safety harnesses or some other type of fall protection. In addition, they should equip the site with a safe tie-off point for the safety harness to be secured to. This senseless tragedy does not happen if the worker was given and wearing the right safety equipment.
As is evident from this tragic event, construction is a dangerous vocation. There are very few jobs where a normal day can end with a hard-working person being killed due to inadequate safety devices. In New York, construction workers represent the greatest percentage of worker fatalities. The grief and pain experienced by the construction accident victims and their families is overwhelming. They face fear, uncertainty and pain for their loved ones. The immediate aftermath of such a life-altering event is an extremely difficult and trying time for the families and victims, but it is also important for them to protect their rights as early as possible.
Block O’Toole & Murphy is committed to aiding victims and their families during these very difficult times. We help families and victims protect their legal rights and recover after tragic accidents. Our clients appreciate the care, attention, sensitivity and expertise we bring to their cases. Block O’Toole & Murphy works not only to maximize our clients’ recovery under the law but to bring comfort, support and relief to their sad stories.
You can learn more about the firm and their track record of success , including almost one billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for their clients, by reviewing the firm website at www.blockotoole.com.
The attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP are available for a free consultation – at 212-736-5300.