On Thursday morning, a collapsing steel frame at a construction site killed one worker and sent three others to the hospital in Argyle. According to the Times Record News, the incident happened near Argyle High School just before classes started. For currently unknown reasons, heavy beams and other parts of the steel frame crashed to the ground. The man who was killed was on some type of crane or lift at the time of the incident. When the structure collapsed, his lift also fell. The lift was about 35 feet in the air before it crashed to the ground.
Workers Injured in North Texas
First responders with the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene, where at least three other people were injured. They have since been treated and released from the hospital. At this time, there’s no word on the extent of their injuries or the cause of the structure collapse. Also, their names haven’t been released yet. At this time, the incident is likely still under investigation with authorities.
Workplace Injuries and Deaths Across the U.S.
- In 2013, 4,405 workers were killed on the job.
- In 2012, 269 out of 775 construction site fatalities were due to falls from elevation.
- One in Five worker deaths in 2013 happened at a construction site.
- In 2013, the leading causes of death at construction sites were falls.
- Fall prevention safety standards are on the list for 10 most cited OSHA safety standards across the country.
- In 2013, fatal work injuries involving contractors accounted for 17 percent of all fatal injuries on the job.
Workplace Safety in Wichita Falls
Improving workplace safety needs to be a top priority for employers in North Texas and across the country. Workplace wrongful death and injury cases can be incredibly complicated. In addition to dealing with an employer, contractor or subcontractor, you could also be dealing with pushy insurance companies and their lawyers. Additionally, bringing a conventional lawsuit against a negligent employer in Texas or Oklahoma can be difficult. If you have been injured on the job or if you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you need to speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of the deceased worker and also wishes the injured victims full and speedy recoveries.