SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah—A Provo resident tragically died Jan. 7 after he reportedly fell 40 feet down from scaffolding on a job site in Park City.
The victim, who has not been identified, was working at a construction site in Silver Creek Village when the accident occurred. First responders airlifted him to a Salt Lake hospital for treatment, but he sadly was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident, and no additional details have been released.
Thoughts on the Silver Creek Village Workplace Accident
Folks who follow my reports know that workplace falls are among the most frequent causes of death and injury in trade work. I represent clients across the nation in accidents just like this one. Despite the frequency and number of investigations I have conducted, I am still amazed at the lack of safety provided to employees working difficult labor from dangerous heights.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has clearly set forth employer requirements designed to prevent such outcomes. While preventing a fall can be difficult, limiting the risk of injury caused by a fall is relatively simple. Ropes, harnesses, and other safety equipment prevent serious injury in the event of a fall. I have to wonder if such equipment was provided by the employer here. Clearly, an employee working at 40 feet has a serious risk of death upon falling and should be adequately secured to the building or another stable source. The days where an employer can walk away from an accident scotch-free are over. Employers must enact proven safety measures to protect their employees’ lives.
I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased and hope for their strength as they navigate forward.
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