Blog Category:

8/23/2011
Steve Lombardi
Comments (0)

Construction Worker Boots and Construction Site Safety Training and Control by the GC

I've previously reported on the boot case, or the hole in the worker's boot, that is being partially blamed for contributing to his death. Perhaps the most complete report I've read about Kevin Hammons death comes to us not from the Des Moines Register but from The Examiner out of Washington State. Read Ryan J. Foley's article from the A.P. dated August 16, 2011 at 1:35 pm.

The article identifies factors that contributed to the work accident include:
1.    Using fewer wire rope clips to secure the cable holding the beams than were required to safely perform the work.
2.    Incorrectly installing the beam support system.
3.    Deviating from the engineer's design.
4.    Failing to train the workers doing the installation on the proper installation method.
5.    Worker remained working under the beam, after being told to move, due in part to defective or worn boots to avoid walking through water.
6.    Supervisor's failing to control the work place for safety.

The employer was careful not to argue they were blaming Hammons, but that even though what the work supervisor and GC did on the job site caused the accident, Hammon's boots did contribute as well. That's a pretty fair assessment. "We could almost say that was a silly reason to say," he said. "It was a comment made by the employer ....I won't comment on what they were thinking."
"There were clearly safety violations and the company knew that, accepted that. The fact was, unfortunately there was someone beneath that beam. It still would have been a safety hazard if someone wasn't beneath that beam. That's what OSHA has to look at. Ultimately we are looking at the safety hazard itself."

Firm: Hole in worker's boots a factor in UI death

By:RYAN J. FOLEY | Associated Press | 08/16/11 1:35 PM
Violations, worn boots factors in worker's death

Dubuque Telegraph Herald

Construction workers rebuild the University of Iowa's Art Building West on Tuesday in Iowa City, Iowa. ... It came up in the course of OSHA's investigation. ...
Chlorine leak injures 20 at Sacramento water park

WMBF

Tim Pawlenty ends 2012 White House bid after disappointing Iowa poll finish ... statement saying it would cooperate with the Cal/OSHA investigation and will ...
Firm: Hole in worker's boots a factor in UI death

Washington Examiner

16, 2011 in Iowa City, Iowa. Newly released records show numerous safety violations contributed to the ... It came up in the course of OSHA's investigation. ...
Update on the latest news, sports, business and entertainment:

NECN

PEOSTA, Iowa (AP) - As President Barack Obama continues his bus tour in Iowa ... County inspectors were focusing their investigation on a safety device in a ...

Category: Workers' Compensation

Labels: boots construction site training control of the site death GC General Contractor injury iowa safety safety equipment worker

After a worker is injured is when they need the support of their employer the most. But injured workers aren't given a level playing field. The company doctor often times is not helping them and the case manager isn't either. The worker is left alone to fend for themselves and to make mistakes that result in lower benefits or fewer weeks of benefits. Some are sent back to work too soon. There is only one person on your side and that understands this system. If your lawyer doesn't understand the nature of this claim you've got the wrong lawyer. Steve Lombardi has practiced in the area of workers compensation for over 30 years. He's tried hundreds of cases for more than one thousand clients. If you'd like help finding a competent lawyer we do assist people in locating a lawyer in Iowa or in Illinois. Call us.

If you have a question about your case, give us a call or drop us an email. LOMBARDI LAW FIRM - 515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com. If you or your spouse are involved in a work accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney

2 Comments to "Construction Worker Boots and Construction Site Safety Training and Control by the GC"

Safety in construction sites is major issue...In order to avoid risks or injuries worker should follow the instruction, how to prevent from these injuries..Thanks for sharing this nice post with us...

Posted by green white card on April 4, 2012 at 07:42 AM

Good health and safety at work is important not only in human terms, to help reduce workers’ pain and suffering. It is also a way of ensuring that enterprises are successful and sustainable, and that economies thrive in the long term.

Posted by Site Safety on August 29, 2011 at 12:43 PM