Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, along with fishing in the open ocean and providing emergency services. This is why many protections required by federal and Ohio law on all construction sites to help ensure that workers are exposed to fewer risks.
After a workplace accident, there are many sources of assistance for injured employees or the survivors of those killed on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits are a start, especially if medical expenses must be covered immediately. A lawsuit for financial damages in civil court may be a possibility in some circumstances as well.
A man died in a construction accident in Licking County recently when a ditch collapsed while he was in it. Co-workers discovered the 39-year-old victim and attempted to uncover him with shovels and a backhoe. However, it appears that the man was dead upon the crew’s discovery of him.
The ditch was part of a drainage project related to new construction. The county sheriff and other authorities continue to investigate the accident. The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may also get involved in order to see if workplace regulations were violated or if there is other information related to workplace safety to gather.
Workers and relatives of workers affected by construction accidents may seek the help of an attorney to see if their case warrants a suit in civil court or another type of claim. Experienced legal representation may be very useful at difficult times in which legal action may help victims become whole after a disaster.