Many residents of California and elsewhere assume that it is only construction workers who are in danger on their worksites. If they do not work in the industry, they should be safe from construction accidents. This, unfortunately, is not always true. Innocent bystanders can sustain serious or fatal injuries near construction sites if they happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, especially if someone is not observing the proper safety procedures.
Recently, an architect from New York City was killed when falling debris from a building façade struck her on the head. According to NBC New York, the woman had been walking near her workplace when the accident occurred. The building owners received a fine of $1,250 for the safety violation. Authorities say that numerous pedestrians have been killed in the city by falling bricks, construction debris and façade pieces.
There have been numerous incidents involving construction cranes that injured or killed bystanders. In one well-publicized incident, a crane collapsed onto a downtown Seattle, Washington, street. Four people died and several others were injured. Construction Dive states that the accident likely occurred because crane operators removed safety pins all at once, rather than one section at a time, as safety rules require. This can leave cranes vulnerable to collapsing from a gust of wind.
Construction companies, supervisors and employees should follow safety standards and refrain from cutting corners to save time or money. This can help to protect construction workers as well as bystanders. People who have received injuries due to someone else’s negligence may be eligible to seek compensation.
