Construction work is a rewarding, albeit, dangerous occupation. When the project involves considerable height, the use of support structures can lead to the risk of a scaffolding fall. Even though Missouri workers employed in this field take all safety precautions, there remains a possibility of suffering a serious — or even fatal — event.
Recently, there were reports of a fatal accident that occurred at a construction site of a 16-story motel. According to officials, workers were located above the sixth floor of the structure while pouring concrete. For reasons that are yet unclear, the scaffolding the men were on collapsed. Two of the workers, a 34-year-old and a 46-year-old, fell to the ground and died from their injuries.
A third worker was able to hang on and was helped back up by fellow employees. The accident occurred around 4 a.m. with emergency responders arriving shortly afterward. The third worker suffered only minor injuries. The project is a new motel located near the popular Disney World attraction.
Both state and federal investigators are working to determine what led to this deadly scaffolding fall. The workers’ families may qualify for a one-time death benefit from their state’s workers’ compensation program. This program was instituted to help injured employees receive financial compensation while they are recovering and unable to return to work. Missouri residents who have suffered a work-related injury or illness may seek experienced assistance in filing a valid claim in order to obtain all of the benefits to which they may be entitled. Likewise, surviving family of those who were killed may also seek compensation from the program.