OZONA, Texas – Three workers were injured when the scaffolding they had been working collapsed. The accident occurred around 10:30 a.m. at Ozona High School in Ozona, Texas.
No students or teachers were injured in the accident, according to authorities. Classes were in session at the time of the accident, and students were confined to their classrooms until the site could be secured.
The three men were bricklayers working on three-story scaffolding at the time of the accident. Crocket County EMS transported the men to Shannon Medical Center for treatment. The medical status of the men was not immediately known.
A safety team from Dallas will be investigating the accident.
Commentary on the Ozona High School Scaffolding Accident
One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is fall accidents. Since 2011, an average of 275 trade workers have died from injuries sustained from workplace falls. This includes falls from scaffolding, ladders, and uncovered openings. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has promulgated stringent guidelines to reduce these preventable accidents and ensure the safety of workers across the nation. This includes fall protection for heights over six feet.
Unfortunately, these guidelines are often ignored at the peril of employees. During my thirty-year career, my firm has worked on several workplace accidents similar to this one. In these cases, it is essential to investigate the employer's actions at the time of the accident and the employer's actions in the months leading up to the accident.
In this case, likely, proper safety measures were not taken at the time of the accident. However, what training and procedures had the employer instituted before the accident to reduce the risk of such accidents from happening? Did the employer have a track record of wanton disregard of its employees’ safety? These questions, and many more, will be answered through a detailed investigation.
I am grateful that none of the men in this accident suffered fatal injuries. I hope each of the men will make a complete and timely recovery, and that their families may find comfort during this challenging time.
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