The New York Fire Department had to rescue two maintenance workers in Manhattan yesterday after their scaffold malfunction while they were suspended 44 floors cleaning windows on the Hearst Tower. According to the officials, the scaffold that was hoisting the workers on the side of the building somehow malfunctioned which led to the bending of the device at an angle. Seeking to take this incident very seriously, the police received a report and arrived at the scene, blocking off the street below to prevent any passerby injuries or death if the scaffold were to plummet down below. Twelve different FDNY units responded to the scene of the incident in order to determine how to rescue the workers whose very lives were at stake. Unfortunately for the people down below, because of the closed off street, for blocks both north and south of the building the traffic was next to that of a parking lot.

Almost two hours after the initial emergency phone call, they fire fighters were able to rescue the workers by cutting out a window that was adjacent to the hanging scaffold, pulling both men inside. These maintenance workers were on the scaffold performing work that was catered specifically for this scaffold and its design with the unique stricter of the Hearst Tower. Fortunately the men only sustained very minimal; injuries and were more than grateful that their lives were spared. Though the identity of the men was not released, they were workers for the Tractel Inc. company which is based out of Long Island and specializes in mechanical hoists systems for buildings. This $500 million building was created in 2006 and is the hub of the Hearst media company today, known for is unique structure and the triangular steel braces which decorate the exterior of the site.

Scaffolding accidents are something that needs to be taken very seriously, as the lives of those suspended on the suspension units are entirely dependable on the safety of the support. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, there are around 2.3 million workers who rely on scaffolding systems to complete their jobs; that are about 65% of construction workers in the industry. Every year there are an estimated 65 deaths and 4,500 injuries caused by some form of scaffolding accidents. While mistakes made by employers or employees is a possible cause for these types of injuries, it is noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that over 70% of injures to these workers who use scaffolds are because of something malfunctioning with the devise itself as well as employees slipping and falling or if they are struck by an object falling from above.

Product liability when it comes to equipment used for construction can often mean the difference of life and death for employees, which is why it is so imperative that the employers make sure that all equipment is properly maintained and replaced when needed. The design of the equipment itself needs to meet all of the necessary requirements as listed out by OSHA which will address the weight capacities, construction methods and details regarding carrying equipment. The requirement for these scaffolds is that not only should it be able to support its own weight, but also four times that amount when suspended into the air.

Have you been recently been injured in a construction accident of any sort? Was your life placed in danger because of a product malfunction as you were suspended high in the air? Have you recently lost a loved one in a terrible accident? Whatever the case may be, please contact a trusted personal injury lawyer in your area today to discuss taking legal action!