On Sept. 1, a building collapsed at Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island. Six construction workers were injured in the incident, although reports are that four of them have since been released from the hospital. Some of the workers fell from roof beams and were trapped in the accident debris. One of the workers is from Maryland.
The building is to be an indoor practice facility, measuring 78,000 square feet. According to the police report on the incident, one construction worker told police that the crane operator "must have pulled the steel beam [too] far which caused the structure to collapse." The worker said the crane operator's name was John, but police were not able to interview him after the incident because they couldn't find him.
It is not believed that the crane operator was injured, as none of the injured were named John, according to a police captain with Smithfield Police Department. The man's direct employer was also not known to police.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident now that police have concluded their investigation. OSHA has six months to release their findings in the matter.
When construction workers are involved in worksite accidents, the injuries can be severe or even deadly. Workers' compensation helps injured workers by paying medical expenses, lost wages and more. If a claim is denied, an appeal may be filed. A workers' compensation attorney can provide more information on these types of cases. Third party lawsuits may be filed if it is determined that an equipment manufacturer or similar entity was responsible for the accident.