A construction accident last month at the San Diego Zoo left four workers injured, according to 7 San Diego. They all worked with the Rudolph and Sletten Inc., a construction company contracted to handle work at the zoo. None of the workers were hurt too seriously, according to the zoo, but they had to be taken off the premises through the service road in emergency vehicles. Two of the workers were taken to Mercy Hospital, and one of them was taken to UC San Diego. The other worker was treated at the scene.
It’s unclear where the accident took place. It was either in the African Rocks area, or at part of a bridge that’s under construction. African Rocks had just opened up the weekend before the accident, but it did not affect the grand opening. According to the zoo, African Rocks is there “most ambitious construction project ever.” The display involves a 70 foot tall waterfall, and cost approximately $68 million. Not only is it the most ambitious, but it’s also the most expensive project the zoo has ever undertaken. The zoo did not release any details about the cause or nature of the accident.
Construction accidents are not as common as they used to be, but they still happen regularly. There are a few things that are the most likely causes. For one, falls are a big one. There are plenty of places in construction areas where workers could fall. It’s important to make sure to use proper safety techniques when working from heights, and to always be aware of what’s around you. It’s also common to slip and trip on construction sites. There could be anything on the ground, from tools to debris, that could become a dangerous hazard.
Getting caught in between things, like heavy equipment and walls, can happen if workers are concentrating too hard on their project and not on what’s happening around them. Also, the equipment itself certainly poses a major threat. Even though there are many safety protocols around heavy machinery, accidents still happen. Operators should have special licenses and certification, as should anyone who works near such equipment.
Getting injured, whether it’s on a construction site or out in public, is not just painful. You could do some stressful ordeals trying to get insurance compensation, or from trying to file a claim against a party that may have been negligent. It’s vital to document as much as you can in these situations. That means keeping track of the situation surrounding your injury, as well as getting a report from your doctor that details your injuries and the steps needed to rehabilitate. Take pictures of the area of the accident as well.
Finally, the best thing you can do is contact an accident attorney in San Diego as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through the process of filing your claim and make sure your rights are protected at all times.
Source:
Construction Workers Injured in Accident At San Diego Zoo
