Worker Suffers A Broken Neck After Falling Through An Opening In A Roof

by Daniel J. O'Brien [email protected]

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In March, 2013, a roofer working for a New Jersey roofing company, Conte Roofing Co. Inc., broke his neck after falling through an opening in the roof at a construction site in Moonachie, NJ.*

The roofing company was cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with several serious violations, including but not limited to:

• failing to provide fall protection for workers working on the roof,
• failing to provide training for workers working on the roof, and
• failing to protect holes in the roof.

A serious violation is when there is a substantial likelihood that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard or a danger that the employer knew or should have known about.

How To Prevent Fall Accidents At Construction Sites

Falls from heights continue to be one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry.  Per OSHA standards, there are various fall protections that can be implemented to ensure the safety and health of workers working at 6 feet or more above the next lower level, such as:

• guardrails,
• safety nets, and
• personal fall arrest systems.

Help For Injured Workers After Injuries From Fall Accidents

Many injured workers believe that their only legal recourse after a workplace accident is a worker's compensation claim.  That is simply not true.  There may be other third parties responsible for the workers' injuries, and the injured workers may be entitled to receive compensation from the third parties.

In certain limited situations, employers may be responsible for the workers' injuries resulting from "willful" violations.  A thorough investigation is necessary to evaluate each case to determine whether there is a "willful" violation by the employer; therefore, an experienced construction accident lawyer is needed to conduct the investigation.  See New Jersey Employees & Workers Injured On The Job Can Sue Employers For Willful Violations.

If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a fall accident at a construction site in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, feel free to contact Daniel J. O'Brien, Esq. to discuss your case at 877.944.8396.

*Source: www.OSHA.gov.

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