Anyone who works in construction — or has a loved one who does — knows what a dangerous profession it can be. We were reminded of that last week after a tragic incident at the University of California San Diego (UCSD).
It’s not clear precisely how many workers were injured. However, one suffered fatal injuries when a rebar wall collapsed at the site of what is reported to be the largest construction project in the history of UCSD.
According to the construction company and local fire officials, four people were hospitalized. The worker who died succumbed to his injures at the hospital. At least one other worker was reported to be in serious condition.It’s not known yet what caused the standing 35-foot wall to collapse shortly before 8:30 a.m. on July 25. The construction company said it’s investigating the incident and cooperating with authorities, including California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OHSA).The victims were apparently all employees of the construction company that is building the mixed use development — Clark Construction. The $627 million complex, called the North Torrey Living and Learning Neighborhood, is set to include housing for 2,000 UCSD students as well as retail and dining areas, a theater and two research towers. It’s on the west end of the university’s campus. The project is approximately 50% completed.
Both the university and the construction company issued statements offering their sympathies to the loved ones of the employee who was killed. An official with the construction company said, “We take all matters involving the safety of our workforce, our job sites, and the public seriously.”
Any number of factors can be responsible for a tragic incident like this one. Agencies such as Cal/OSHA are responsible for determining what caused them and who was at fault. The results of these investigations can be helpful as victims and surviving loved ones pursue justice and compensation, with the support and guidance of their attorneys.