Window washer suffers workplace injuries after 11-story fall

On Behalf of | Nov 24, 2014 | Workplace Injuries

Oklahoma company owners are responsible for the safety of their workers. Regardless of the type of industry, preventing workplace injuries can only be achieved by following the strict safety regulations that are prescribed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. However, many workers suffer on-the-job injuries that are caused by negligent disregard of safety regulations by supervisors and employers.

A window washer miraculously survived a recent 11-story fall in another state. It was reported that two men were on a building’s roof where they were adjusting the cables to their working platform. It is still unclear what caused the one worker to lose his balance and fall over the edge of the building. He landed on the roof of a car whose driver was apparently searching for a space to park. Witnesses reported that although the man was undoubtedly critically injured, he remained conscious.

The worker was rushed to the hospital where he reportedly remained in critical condition at the time of the report. The driver of the car apparently suffered no injuries. OSHA investigators interviewed witnesses. The employer’s safety record will also be examined, and investigators will determine whether the required fall protection was in place.

Oklahoma workers who have suffered workplace injuries do not have to prove negligence on the part of another party in order to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Even if the injury resulted from a safety oversight on their part, they would be entitled to claim benefits through the workers’ compensation insurance fund. The fund aims to provide financial aid to injured workers to allow them to take care of their families while they are recuperating. Compensation typically covers medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages.

Source: CBS San Francisco, “Window Washer Survives 11-Story Fall In San Francisco’s Financial District, Passing Car Cushions Fall“, Nov. 21, 2014