Demolition Construction Accidents Across the State of NJ

In 2015, a construction worker was killed at the Beachwood Shopping Center. The police responded to the report of a partial building collapse and a construction worker who was possibly trapped at the time of the accident. When rescue crews searched through the debris of a collapsed roof, they came across the worker. The incident happened while the shopping center was being demolished. The collapse occurred in a way that was very unexpected, with the roof collapsing on the southern end of the building. Unfortunately, this happens often in demolition accidents, when all details are up in the air.

Again in 2016 in New Jersey, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a citation for a safety violation to a demolition contractor in New Jersey when an airport hangar collapsed. The company was fined for $49,000. They began the inspection when a hangar at the Newark Liberty International Airport collapsed during demolition, causing injuries to four workers.

Causes and Prevention

Injuries and deaths happen in demolition accidents for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include premature detonation of explosives, premature collapse of buildings, or falls from workplaces. Luckily, there are ways to prevent these terrible injuries and unexpected fatalities. Safety procedures and training should be implemented in any construction workplace where demolition occurs. All workers should understand when demolition plans are being executed and should be given time to avoid these areas. Before the demolition takes place, it is important for a risk assessment to be performed to look at building weakness, flammable materials, and other factors that could harm workers.

Because demolition can cause a variety of injuries or fatalities when it is not handled seriously, it is important to be aware of the risks. However, if you work in an unsafe workplace where risks are not assessed and you have been injured as a result, you may have a personal injury claim. Call us today to find out how we can help.