The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are investigating a construction accident near Austin that sent a worker to the hospital on Tuesday. A construction worker in his 30’s suffered a cardiac arrest after a roller machine he was operating to pack and flatten dirt at the new Circuit of the Americas Formula One race track fell on top of him. The worker was taken by helicopter to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.
A spokesperson for the track, Jeff Hahn, stated the construction employee was experienced in using the machinery that purportedly caused his injury. He also said the worker had undergone many hours of equipment training. According to Hahn, this is the first accident at the 970 acre site since construction began approximately two months ago. Each day, anywhere between 350 and 400 workers can be found working around the clock at the construction site. The race track is scheduled for completion later this year.
Although all work stopped near where the accident occurred, it continued in other areas of the building site. Hahn stated he did not believe the accident would have an effect on the track’s overall construction schedule. Agents from OSHA arrived on the scene to investigate the accident early Wednesday morning.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created OSHA to reduce employee injuries and fatalities. Under the Act, workers are provided with certain safety-related rights such as training, information about safety hazards, and copies of safety test results. Employers must follow OSHA health and safety standards and provide a workplace that is reasonably free of safety hazards. When a serious workplace accident occurs, OSHA is tasked with investigating whether the work site complied with established safety standards.
Employees in the construction industry may be faced with hazardous conditions on a daily basis. Unfortunately, construction accidents hurt or kill thousands of workers every year. Although workplace injuries are generally subject to state workers’ compensation laws, a third party may be liable for failing to implement adequate safety measures. The manufacturer of construction equipment may be held responsible for building a dangerous or defective product. Contractors have a duty to warn workers about potential construction hazards and take proper safety precautions to ensure a reasonable level of safety. Architects and property owners may also be liable for dangerous conditions that result in an accidental injury. If you have questions, a qualified construction accident attorney can explain an injured worker’s options for financial recovery.
If you or a loved one was hurt at a building site, contact Carabin Shaw today. Our experienced San Antonio construction accident lawyers understand the uncertainty that can follow an injury. At Carabin Shaw, we will explain the various state and federal laws and regulations that govern construction accidents. Our law firm represents clients across the State of Texas including San Antonio, Laredo, El Paso, Beaumont, Rockport, McAllen, Beeville, Austin, and Seguin. For a free initial consultation, contact Carabin Shaw through our website or call us toll free at (800) 862-1260.
Additional Resources:
Construction worker critically injured at F1 site, by Patrick George, Austin American-Statesman
OSHA Investigating F1 Construction Site Accident, weareaustin.com
1 Injured in Accident at F1 Race Track Site, myfoxaustin.com