Man Killed in Excavator Accident
Excavators are often used in construction projects. These tractors are large and can cause crush injuries by pinning workers.
Sadly, this was the case in Tennessee. A 23-year-old man was killed at a West Knox County construction site on the evening of September 16.
The Major Crimes Unit was called to a construction site off Lovell Road. It was reported that a person was pinned by an excavator against a rock bucket. He suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
The victim’s mother released a statement, stating that her son’s life “was cut way too short due to a workplace incident that should have never happened.” She is hoping that something positive will come out of this. She would like to see some new laws changed and safety standards.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration have both confirmed that they are investigating the man’s death.
What to Know About Excavator Accidents
Excavators are one of the most commonly used pieces of heavy equipment on construction sites, but they are also among the most dangerous when proper safety protocols are ignored. Due to their size, blind spots, hydraulic power, and rotating machinery, accidents involving excavators often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially when workers or bystanders are caught in the swing radius or struck by moving parts.
Common causes of accidents include:
- Struck-by and caught-in incidents. Workers on foot are at high risk of being struck by the boom, bucket, or rotating cab. With limited operator visibility, even a slight movement can trap a person between the machine and another object.
- Rollovers and tip-overs. Uneven terrain, operating too close to edges, or raising the boom too high with a loaded bucket can shift the excavator’s center of gravity, causing it to tip, often crushing the operator or anyone in proximity.
- Swing radius crush zones. When the upper structure rotates, it creates crush hazards. Workers standing in the rear swing radius can be pinned between the counterweight and a solid surface.
- Underground utility strikes. Improper site surveying can lead to excavators rupturing gas lines, electrical conduits, or water mains, causing explosions, electrocution, or flooding hazards.
- Hydraulic system failures. High-pressure hydraulic lines can burst, causing fluid injection injuries or loss of control of the boom or bucket, resulting in severe accidents.
- Improper use of excavators for lifting. Excavators are often misused as cranes, lifting materials beyond safe capacity. This can cause load drops, tipping, or rigging failures.
Contact Us Today
Construction sites often have heavy equipment such as excavators and these tractors can cause serious injuries or fatalities to workers.
You need a dedicated advocate who will fight for your rights. A Mt. Juliet construction accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC will help you take the first step toward justice. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (615) 622-6060.
Source:
wbir.com/article/news/local/knoxville/24-year-old-man-killed-west-knox-county-construction-site/51-82b94c97-cefa-4035-8795-dc978752927f
