The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation into a workplace accident on a New Jersey work site. A workers’ compensation claim will likely follow a recent construction site accident. A 59-year-old construction worker was a member of a construction crew working on a site behind the headquarters of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department. Reportedly, the man was a firefighter in Newark, and Hackensack previously.
Not many details were provided about the incident. According to a spokesperson, it occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. on a recent Wednesday. Under the circumstances yet to be determined, a large piece of metal struck the worker. Emergency workers arrived, and the seriously injured construction worker was airlifted to a medical center.
Employers are responsible for the safety and health of their employees, and hazard assessments before the start of each shift could prevent many workplace accidents. According to OSHA, the construction company that employs the injured worker has no history of safety violations. The investigators will undoubtedly examine the circumstances of this accident, and also the company’s overall compliance with safety standards. If any violations are identified, the company could be cited and fined.
The injured worker will likely be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits regardless of the outcome of the OSHA investigation. Injured workers in New Jersey can utilize the skills of an attorney with experience in dealing with workers’ compensation benefits claims. Basic benefits typically cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, workers who suffer injuries that cause partial or total disability are usually eligible to receive additional benefits.