Two Turner Construction Company employees were seriously injured in an Allston construction site accident on March 21. The two men fell approximately 20 feet, from the fifth floor to the third floor of a Harvard University science and engineering building under construction on Western Avenue.

Fire and EMS personnel were forced to use a bucket ladder to retrieve the two workers from the site. Temporary scaffolding did not provide enough room for the workers to be rescued on backboards, which is standard procedure in falls to stabilize potential spine and neck injuries.

Speaking to 7 News Boston, the wife of one of the injured workers said, “He reached out, saw him going, and realized he was falling as well.”

Both workers were hospitalized with injuries and are expected to survive.

The men were standing on temporary scaffolding at the time of the fall. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is investigating.

OSHA reports an average of 4,500 injuries and 60 deaths each year caused by scaffolding accidents, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Common causes of scaffolding accidents include planking giving way, scaffoldings falling because they are improperly secured and workers knocked from scaffolding by falling objects. OSHA has developed detailed standards for scaffolding and will review the installation at the Western Avenue site for compliance.

Sheff Law has extensive experience representing people hurt in construction and workplace accidents. Our unique team approach delivers superior settlements. Every client gets a team of attorneys who dig deeper to find liability and fight for their rights. We offer free consultations with no obligation, and there is no charge for our services unless you receive a settlement. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-423-4477.