Even though heavy machinery makes construction work easier, it also potentially makes it more deadly.
It used to be that construction workers did all the tough jobs by hand. Along came heavy machinery and suddenly, work wasn’t as hard as it used to be. The problem is, even though heavy machinery makes construction work a lot easier, it also has the potential to cause serious accidents. Most workplace accidents at construction sites usually result in extremely serious injuries or fatalities. Without due care and attention to safety procedures, construction sites are places where an accident is looking to happen.
Many of the sites we see today are busy with industrious forklifts, cranes, tractors, backhoes, graders and a variety of other powerful machines. Most of this equipment is involved in lifting, moving, hauling, pushing or placing large amounts of material from point A to point B. If the equipment isn’t in top shape and properly maintained, just about anything can and does go wrong. You only have to look at the accident statistics to find that out.
Take the case of the experienced crane operator who had been doing his job for over 30 years. He was good at what he did, but occasionally, didn’t perform the necessary checks to ensure his slings and other equipment were in proper working order. One day he lifted a piece of metal weighing close to two tons. The improperly maintained slings, which were not checked that day, snapped, and the metal plummeted to the ground, crushing three other workers. The police report indicated there was not even enough left of the men to be able to identify them.
Negligence was involved in this case because the crane operator didn’t do his job to ensure the equipment was safe. By not taking the few extra minutes to check the slings, his negligence cost three innocent people their lives and three families unending grief.
This is just one example of things that can go wrong on a construction site. Other accidents may include mechanical breakdowns, vehicle crashes, workers run over by equipment on site, workers not using machinery properly (due to lack of education or wanting to cut corners), injuries as a result of defective parts, tire blowouts and other accidents that happen because of poor maintenance or lack of maintenance. As you can see, the reasons are legion.
If you have been injured on the job, make it a point to talk to a Chicago personal injury attorney about your case. Your accident is vitally important to you and you may well be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries. You won’t know until you take action by contacting a skilled Chicago injury lawyer.
Michael Osborne is a Chicago injury lawyer. The Law Office of Michael Osborne helps accident, wrongful death, and personal injury victims. To contact a Chicago personal injury attorney or learn more, visit Michaelosbornelaw.com or call (312) 315-1765.
