Construction workers in Maryland or anywhere are susceptible to many different kinds of hazards while on the job. This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has promulgated safety regulations that must be followed by employers in the construction business. Failure to do so can result in citations for OSHA violations, as well as workers' compensation claims made by an injured construction worker.
What are consequences if a worker falls approximately 20 feet -- or more than two stories -- while on a construction site? This recently happened in New Jersey and, according to reports from the construction crew on the scene, the man either fell from a ladder or from the roof of the Wawa convenience store they were building. Luckily, the man is expected to survive what could have been a fatal construction accident.
The worker was transported to the hospital, and initial reports say that he was conscious and alert. Though he is expected to survive, the extent of his personal injuries has yet been reported.
What we do know is that, whenever someone falls from a great height, it is quite possible that he or she may sustain broken bones, back and neck injuries, or even head or spinal cord injuries. Such injuries take a long time to heal and may result in a permanent disability. Even if the injured worker can return to work, he or she may miss a considerable amount of work time, losing wages even as he or she incurs substantial medical expenses.
In order to prevent another such serious fall and further injuries to workers at this and other construction sites, it is necessary determine whether this worker was placed in danger by a failure in regard to fall protection equipment or training.