The City of Chicago is home to many high-rise buildings, all of which are the result of hard-working construction workers. Although construction jobs may be commonly associated with being dangerous, construction companies are required to adhere to strict safety requirements. One recent incident at one of Chicago’s high-rise buildings shows just how tragic construction-related accidents can be.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation after a construction worker recently died on the job, during the construction of a residential building on Elm Street. According to reports, the construction worker, who was 45 years old, was inside a crane about six stories high at the time of the accident. The worker was allegedly leaning into an area where an elevator descended and pinned him. Other workers were able to free the man before emergency crews assisted in lowering him to street level. According to the Chicago Fire Department chief, when the man was found pinned by the elevator and the crane, he was unresponsive.
The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with upper body injuries – in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. A spokesman for the Chicago Fire Department said that there was not much that could be done to save the victim, because his injuries were so traumatic.
If OSHA uncovers any safety violations that may have contributed to the accident, the construction company may be issued citations. In addition, the family members of the victim may also have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit – depending on the results of the investigation.
Source: The Chicago Tribune, “OSHA to investigate after worker, 45, crushed in construction accident,” Tom Palmer and Rosemary Regina Sobol, Jan. 30, 2015
