Worker’s Death from Scaffolding Fall in Hawaii Highlights Hazards Workers Face when Working from Heights on Scaffolding

The death of a 68-year-old worker in Honolulu, Hawaii brings to light the dangers that workers face when working at heights on construction projects and other work projects. According to local news reports, the worker, who has not been identified, fell from scaffolding at a Komohana Place project in Kapolei, Hawaii on Tuesday, January 9. The worker was rushed to the hospital following the fall, but, tragically, passed away the following Saturday. Hawaii law enforcement authorities have classified the worker’s horrific death as an “unattended death”, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation into the fatal workplace accident.

Scaffolding Health and Safety Risks for Workers

Unfortunately, the tragic death of the worker in Hawaii as a result of falling from scaffolding is not an isolated incident. In fact, in the United States, scaffolding remains hazardous to worker health and safety.

According to OSHA, scaffolding can be defined as an “elevated, temporary work platform”, and can be divided into two types. First, there are supported scaffolds, which “consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load-bearing members”, and second there are suspended scaffolds, which are “one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support.” Workers who work with scaffolding, and who are at risk for scaffolding accidents, typically include scaffolding erectors and dismantlers and workers who use scaffolding to perform work duties. According to OSHA, the most common hazards that workers face when workers work with scaffolding include falls from elevation, scaffold collapses, and electrocution while working on a scaffold (by wires or other conductors of live electricity). In addition, workers who work on lower-level scaffolding or on the ground are at risk of being struck by falling tools or other objects from above. Due to the hazards that scaffolding presents to workers, employers should ensure that scaffolding is properly maintained and secure, and that workers are trained and adhere to the highest safety standards on the job.

Justice for Injured Workers in Louisiana

Whether injured by a scaffolding accident or another type of workplace accident, it is important for Louisiana workers to understand their rights and options when it comes to Louisiana workers’ compensation laws. Under Louisiana workers’ compensation laws, most workers who are injured on the job and are disabled from work are entitled to important workers’ compensation benefits to help support them financially as they heal from a workplace injury. In order to determine whether you may be entitled to important workers’ compensation benefits, it is best to speak with an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible after a workplace injury occurs.

The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC help Louisiana workers get workers’ compensation benefits due to them under Louisiana workers’ compensation laws. They offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can fight for you to get benefits due. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case for free.

Source:

hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/01/15/man-68-dies-following-industrial-accident-leeward-oahu/