Fatal Construction Accident in Freeport, New York

Fatal construction accident in Freeport

FREEPORT, NEW YORK – According to an online article published by www.newsday.com, a 17-year-old construction worker died after falling from a worksite while building a home.

A 17-year-old construction worker sustained fatal injuries from falling nearly thirty feet while building a home in Freeport. Reports indicate that the 17-year-old suffered a skull fracture and other life-threatening injuries.  He was in critical condition following the accident and later died from his injuries.  A 30-year-old worker also fell, but he only sustained a shoulder injury. Both workers utilized makeshift scaffolding made from two-by-four planks.

While the construction company handling the home building project in Freeport had the appropriate permits to build the home, the company did not have a permit to use the makeshift scaffolding.  As such, the company was cited by local authorities for having unsafe work conditions.  The 17-year-old construction worker whose injuries were fatal is allegedly the son of the construction company’s owner, but such reports have not been confirmed.

Ensuring a Construction Site Has Safe Work Conditions

Construction sites may pose dangers to workers that place them at risk of suffering injuries, some of which can be fatal. Therefore, it is essential for all workers to have safe working conditions that can help prevent the chances of an accident happening.  For example, had the scaffolding in the Freeport accident been safe and in compliance with all codes, the workers may not have fallen nearly thirty feet.

Safe work conditions allow construction workers to feel comfortable knowing that their employer has taken all precautionary steps to protect workers and anyone else present on the construction site. Construction workers concerned about safety should speak with their employer to ensure all aspects of the work site are up to code.