As a construction worker, you know that your work can be dangerous. Incidents like this one can be costly and result in your family suffering. In those situations, workers’ compensation comes through to help those you love with bills and other needs. The families in this situation may be looking for the same compensation. In Ohio, a recent construction collapse left one person hurt and one dead. A Jan. 21 report discussed the accident, which took place during demolition work on Interstate 75. The overpass hanging over I-75 was being demolished when the overpass collapsed, leaving a tractor-trailer driver injured and a highway worker dead.
The number of casualties in this case were low primarily due to the accident happening during off-peak hours. The interstate typically carries over 178,000 vehicles each day through the five miles north of the Ohio River, so this could have potentially resulted in a high death toll. Despite the low amount of injuries and deaths, two people were impacted by the collapse and their families are now dealing with the crisis.
The authorities on the scene were able to identify the man who was killed as a resident of Augusta, Kentucky. He was discovered under the rubble in the collapse. He had children and cared for his father as well.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, from Howell, Michigan, suffered from injuries when his vehicle hit the debris as it landed in front of his vehicle. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and authorities reported that he was lucky due to his timing. Had he been there seconds earlier, he could have suffered more serious injuries.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, especially since the contractor has been identified as a very safety-conscious business with high ratings. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration had previously inspected the company over 55 times since 2003 and found no more than 10 violations during that time.
Source: ABC News, “Highway Reopens After Construction Collapse; 1 Dead, 1 Hurt” Dan Sewell, Jan. 21, 2015