Two ironworkers who were injured in an accident at an East Chicago steel mill earlier this month remain hospitalized with injuries, the North West Indiana Times reports. Officials say the two men, both contractors, had been working at the Indiana Harbor West steel mill and were injured after being struck by a falling metal plate. Another worker, 39, was killed in that incident. The contractors did not suffer life-threatening injuries. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident. Union leaders say the investigation could result in corrective action and new workplace safety guidelines. The East Chicago Police Department and the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration are conducting separate investigations into the accident.
Dangers Faced By Ironworkers
Individuals in the ironworking industry face many hazards on the job. The U.S. Department of Labor says that the percentage of injuries to ironworkers is among the highest compared to all career fields. While fabricating metal products, or erecting, assembling and installing large building materials, it is important for ironworkers to take all possible precautions. Ironworkers are often required to climb structures while on the job. Here are some of the dangers and injuries ironworkers routinely face on the job:
• Falls: Falling is one of the most significant dangers to ironworkers. Ironworkers are often performing tasks several feet above ground. This carries serious risks. Because ironworkers are commonly on the job year round, surfaces can be slick due to rain or ice. A fall may result in catastrophic injuries or even death.
• Amputations and lacerations: Ironworkers often work with sharp metal and equipment. This could lead to limb or finger amputations or serious cuts that could result in significant loss of blood.
• Muscle strain: Since ironworkers are required to move and carry heavy pieces of steel and metal, they could suffer from pulled muscles and back pain.
• Burn injuries: Since ironworkers weld often, they also run the risk of suffering burn injuries. While welding, ironworkers must wear protective glasses, clothing and welding gloves to prevent injuries.
Compensation for Injured Workers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our law firm recovered $3,375,576 for a construction worker who was injured on the job – one of the highest construction case settlements in New York in 2010. Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: North West Indiana Times
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