OSHA Category Archives — Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog Published by Boston, Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer

November 4, 2024

Significant Construction Accidents in USA during 2024

In 2024, the United States experienced several significant construction accidents that underscored the industry’s inherent dangers and highlighted critical areas for safety improvements. At our law firm, our construction accident attorneys are committed to advocating for the rights of construction workers and emphasizing the importance of stringent safety protocols. Here, find three of the most notable construction accidents of the year, analyzing their causes and the lessons they impart.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse – Baltimore, Maryland

On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore suffered a catastrophic collapse after the cargo ship Dali lost power and collided with the bridge’s support structures. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of six construction workers who were performing maintenance on the bridge at the time. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary investigation revealed that the Dali experienced multiple electrical failures, leading to a loss of control and the subsequent collision. The collapse caused significant loss of life, disrupted maritime traffic, and necessitated a complex demolition and reconstruction process.

August 10, 2024

Tragic Scaffolding Fall in Boston: A Construction Worker’s Life Lost at Emerson College

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On August 9, 2023, a tragic incident occurred at a building owned by Emerson College in Boston, resulting in the death of a construction worker after a scaffolding collapse. This devastating event highlights the inherent dangers faced by construction workers daily and underscores the importance of stringent safety measures on job sites. As personal injury attorneys dedicated to advocating for victims and their families, we at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers feel compelled to address this incident, the broader implications for workplace safety, and the legal avenues available to those affected by such tragedies.

The Incident

The incident took place on Boylston Street, in the heart of Boston’s Theatre District, where a construction project was underway at the Emerson College campus. A scaffolding

October 18, 2020

Contractors Have a Duty to Guard Against Heavy Equipment Backover Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In recent years, the construction industry has been thriving in the greater Boston area. Construction in Boston, Quincy, and Cambridge came in at a whopping $14.3 billion in 2018, up 20% from the previous year, according to a recent report.

As new construction sites pop up in the area, new hazards emerge, posing threats to workers and pedestrians passing by. Backover accidents are, particularly on the rise. Backover accidents are crashes that occur when a driver reverses into and injures or kills a pedestrian. The pedestrian may be another construction worker or a nearby civilian.

Worksites utilizing heavy equipment increase the risks of back up maneuver accidents. Heavy equipment operators often cannot see what is happening behind them when they back up and drive in reverse. These workers sit high above the ground, impairing their ability to see what’s happening at ground level. They rely on spotters and other devices to ensure the vehicle’s enormous blind spots are accounted for.

In fact, statistics indicate that approximately 30% of construction accidents occur when vehicles and heavy machinery are backing up. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates approximately 210 workers were struck by and killed from backing vehicles between 2011 and 2013, another 15,000 were injured.

In 2014, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reviewed reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and found 443 construction accidents from 2003 to 2010 due to backover accidents on construction worksites. Continue reading

February 11, 2020

OSHA Hazard Alert Warns of Dangers of Removing Snow from Roofs

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Every year, workers are killed or seriously injured while removing snow or ice from rooftops and other elevated building structures, according to a Hazard Alert from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Considering New England’s brutal winters, dangers associated with snow and ice removal are very real for workers and others living in the greater Boston area. Luckily, many injuries and fatalities can be prevented, the agency said.

If you’ve been injured removing snow or ice from a roof or other elevated structure while working, it’s imperative that you hire experienced and aggressive legal representation. A seasoned OSHA workers’ compensation attorney in Boston will fight for you and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Here’s a quick look at OSHA’s Hazard Alert:

Why is snow removed from roofs and other elevated surfaces?

• To prevent overloading and collapse.
• For construction or repair of decking or roofs. Continue reading