Construction worker dies in machinery accident in Queens

Construction worker in Queens killed by equipment while working on underground water sewer system

QUEENS, NEW YORK (October 9, 2024) – A construction worker has tragically died in an accident in Queens near 31st Street and 34th Avenue.

New York City officials say the incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. Monday. A 54-year-old man was working on an underground sewage system.

He was hit in the head by a falling piece of equipment. Emergency services were called to the scene to help the man.

Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway.

Liability for Construction Accidents in Queens

Every year thousands of workers die or are seriously injured in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nearly one in five workplace deaths in 2022 occurred in the construction industry and 38.4 percent of those deaths were due to falls, slips and trips.” The construction industry accounted for nearly half in 2022 (47.4 percent) of all fatal falls, slips and trips.” There are a number of common causes of fatal accidents at work.

• Falls
• Broken equipment
• Electric shocks
• Accidents involving accidents

All companies are required by law to provide a reasonably safe environment for their employees. Building owners and general contractors are strictly liable for gravity-related accidents under New York Labor Law 240. This also includes cases where a worker falls or is hit by a falling object. Victims of construction accidents usually suffer very serious injuries.

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Cuts
• Spinal cord injuries

The vast majority of workplace deaths are entirely preventable. These typically involve situations in which companies commit security breaches. For example, a company may not provide its employees with hard hats or other protective equipment. The family of a construction worker who died in an accident may take legal action through a civil lawsuit.

Investigation of construction accidents in New York City

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, PC extend our deepest condolences to the family of the construction worker who died in this accident. Anyone with further information about the incident should contact OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.

Need more information about a construction accident in Queens? Our team of construction safety advocates is here to answer any questions you may have. It is very important to us that accident victims are aware of their rights and that these rights are protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need support of any kind, we are here for you. You can reach us at any time at (516) 908-9792.