IN Construction Accident Lawyer

Your Indiana Construction Accident lawyer is saddened  to report on the death of another Indiana worker, 54 year old Alexander Santoyo who fell Saturday, June 6,  2009.  He apperantly fell  90 feet from an overhead crane at the U.S. Stel's Gary Works in Gary Indiana.  Details remain sketchy, but apparently Mr Santoyo ws a maintenance foreman.   An article on the  Indiana Crane accident death from the South Bend Tribune is linked here.  

Although it involved a crane, it is likely this accident will result in an OSHA or IOSHA fine based on inadequate fall protection.  If adequate fall protection was involved, then death and serious injury can always be prevented. This includes where lengthy ladder climbs are involved, or cat walks.  Falls must be anticipated any time Indiana Construction workers are working 6 feet off the ground and adequate fall protection provided.  OSHA approves railings, harnesses and lanyards, positioning devices and various means of preventing construction accidents involving falls.   I  always say  that its not the fall, its the landing.  Our hearts go out to Mr. Santoyo's family.

Here are some pointers from OSHA  on fall protection:

Fall Protection Tips

Identify all potential tripping and fall hazards before work starts.   Look for fall hazards such as unprotected floor openings/edges, shafts, skylights, stairwells, and roof openings/edges.   Inspect fall protection equipment for defects before use.   Select, wear, and use fall protection equipment appropriate for the task.   Secure and stabilize all ladders before climbing them.   Never stand on the top rung/step of a ladder.   Use handrails when you go up or down stairs.   Practice good housekeeping. Keep cords, welding leads and air hoses out of walkways or adjacent work areas.

Consejos para Protección de Caídas

Antes de comenzar a trabajar, identifique los riesgos potenciales contra tropiezos y caídas.   Esté atento a los riesgos de caídas tales como inseguridades en pisos, cubiertas/orillas no protegidas, huecos, tragaluces, escaleras y aperturas en techos/orillas.   Antes de usar el equipo de protección contra caídas inspecciónelo e identifique los defectos.   Seleccione, póngase y use apropiadamente el equipo de protección contra caídas para la tárea asignada.   Asegure y estabilize todas las escaleras antes de subirlas.   Nunca se pare en el peldaño o escalón superior de una escalera.   Use las barandas cuando usted suba o baje una escalera.   Practique buena organización/ limpieza. Mantenga los cables, cables de soldadura y mangas de aire fuera de los pasillos o áreas de trabajo adyacentes.

If you or  a loved one has been  injured or killed in an Indiana Crane accident, or other construction accident, we want to be your Indiana Construction accident Law Firm. We Represent injured iron workers, carpenters, electricians, masons and other Indiana workers  throughout the state, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Gary, South Bend, Valparaiso, Terre Haute and Evansville.  Please review our FREE GUIDE TO CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS.