Construction accidents happen everywhere, and they happen for a variety of reasons. But, when they happen repeatedly on the same site, it’s only a matter of time before officials get involved. Such is the case at a Hudson River bridge, where two accidents in less than a month have led to the site being temporarily shut down.

The first accident at the Newburgh-Beacon bridge project happened on Wednesday, May 22. That morning, supports gave way and left two construction workers dangling from the bridge in their harnesses. The men were able to climb to another part of the bridge, where they were able to walk away uninjured.

The temporary supports failed as the men were working to string steel cables that support a containment system that catches construction debris before falling in the river.

Then, another accident occurred Thursday, June 6 on the same bridge. News accounts say a worker was injured when he was painting while on a scaffold-like structure. He was working in the containment system that the earlier workers were setting up. The extent of his injuries is unknown, though he was flown to Westchester Medical Center.

After the second accident in less than a month, officials opted to put the brakes on the project. The site will undergo a voluntary safety review by the contractor before work resumes. Such a precaution seems only fitting after two accidents.

The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge connects the cities of Newburgh and Beacon over the Hudson River. The work on the state-operated bridge is a painting project.

Painting doesn’t seem like a high-risk construction project. But when you are working on a bridge, all construction work carries risks. Safety precautions like harnesses can reduce the risks of injuries, as seen in the first accident, but you cannot make a construction site like this completely accident-proof.

A safe worksite is the responsibility of numerous parties, including workers, site owners, contractors, and supervisors. When an accident happens, someone must be held responsible.

New York and New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers

If you are hurt in a construction accident that wasn’t your fault, the attorneys of Ginarte may be able to help. Contact our offices today to discuss your case and the legal options available to you. Our New Jersey and New York construction accident lawyers can be reached for a free consultation at (888) GINARTE.