A Redding construction worker named Sourasinh Bouttavong died last month from an incident at a worksite in Redding, CA. Redding police department was called to the scene of a construction worksite the day after Bouttavong was hit in the head by a falling steel pipe. Bouttavong was transported to Danbury Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The chief medical examiner ruled his death as an accident. OSHA has since launched an investigation into the incident.
Construction Site Falling Object Safety
Falling objects are a common cause of injury for construction workers. However, in some extreme cases, like the one seen at the Redding construction site, these falling objects can also cause severe personal injury and even death. The injuries most frequently sustained from falling objects are bruises, bone fractures, muscle strains, and sprains. OSHA employee safety standards require construction workers to install guards, ropes, and barriers to prevent falling objects from causing harm to workers on these construction sites.
Falling Objects Safety Procedures
Falling objects, both big and small, have the potential to cause severe personal injury. For this reason, there are different safety procedures for specific situations and materials that can cause damage to construction workers and other associated individuals. Below is a list of guidelines for material storage and construction site safety.
Securing loads: when lifting objects, ensure they are adequately secured and balanced with tight-end chains or ropes. Also, please check for small or loose materials to ensure they don’t fall when lifted.
Safe hoisting techniques: you should never try to lift, lower, swing, or move a load directly overhead people. Ensure the operator of the lift or the hoist has a clear view of their surroundings. If their line of sight is obstructed, assign a guide to help them safely move objects.
Preventative safety measures: keep objects, materials, and tools away from edges and other elevated surfaces. Could you ensure workers have the proper gear to prevent injury from falling objects? protective head
Material stacking and storage: Store materials at least six feet away from ledges to prevent tipping or falling. If working near openings or tall ledges, place materials in a fashion that prevents these materials from rolling or sliding.
The death of the construction worker Sourasinh Bouttavong is a tragic accident. These construction site incidents occur far more often than we might assume. However, the real tragedy is that these accidents are entirely preventable. This man’s death and countless others could’ve been prevented by following the proper safety procedures and abiding by OSHA employee safety guidelines. Sadly, Sourasinh Bouttavong died due to inadequate employee safety, which is the employer’s responsibility. Suppose you or a loved one has suffered a severe personal injury or has passed away due to the willful ignorance of their employer.
If this is the case, you or your family may be entitled to legal compensation for this inexcusable disregard for employee safety. Don’t wait to get help; contact our qualified workers’ compensation attorneys at Sacramento Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, P.C. Visit our website or give us a call to schedule your FREE no-obligation consultation to get one step closer to obtaining the compensation that you and your family deserves.