On the morning of March 1, 2022, a construction worker was injured at a residential construction site in Westhampton Beach, NY when he fell through a hole in the floor. Thankfully, the worker did not sustain life-threatening injuries and he is reportedly in stable condition at a local hospital.
At around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, fire officials received a call reporting a serious construction accident at a house under construction on Dune Road. When they arrived, officials discovered a worker that fell through a hole from the first floor of the home to the basement. Falls remain the single most frequent cause of serious construction accidents throughout the country. Leaving an opening at a work site unguarded is an obvious lapse in judgment and poses a serious risk to construction workers.
The Westhampton Beach Fire Department came well prepared to the scene of the accident, expecting the worst, bringing two chiefs, two engines, a rescue truck, a ladder truck, and a fire police vehicle. They were also joined by members of the Westhampton Beach Police Department.
The worker was, according to reports, promptly treated by medical professionals at the scene until they were comfortable he was stable enough to be removed from the sight. Once stabilized, the worker was brought to nearby Rogers Beach where a Suffolk County Police Department helicopter landed to transport him to Stony Brook University Hospital. We wish him a quick and complete recovery after this frightening accident.
An unsafe opening, particularly one big enough for a worker to fall through, can lead one to question the quality of training on this work site. Did they prioritize the safety of workers? It would seem not. Job site leaders, including site managers, superintendents, supervisors, and contractors should be well versed in the many possible types of accidents that can happen on a construction site and have the ability to properly identify and report any issues that arise. Effective communication is a crucial aspect of a safe work environment.
Additionally, site leaders should ensure that their workers are aware of every hazard present on a construction site, such as holes in flooring. According to standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), any opening larger than 2 inches wide on any walking or working surface is considered a floor hole. Even small holes and cracks can pose a serious hazard to workers. To keep everyone safe, all holes should be properly marked, covered, barricaded, or guarded to avoid accident. Had the floor opening here been properly marked, covered, barricaded or guarded, it is almost certain this accident would not have occurred.
The construction accident lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy understand the devastating effects a serious injury can have on an accident victim’s life. They have dedicated their careers to helping those who have been injured in accidents caused by negligent parties. Notable firm results include an $11,000,000 settlement for a masonry foreman who was hurt when he fell three stories to the basement of a Brooklyn work site.
To discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys today, call 212-736-5300Â or fill out our contact form online.