A 27-year-old Chicago construction worker died after falling nine stories off a scaffolding amid high winds. Another worker also fell from the scaffolding and was listed in critical condition. According to WGN, the scaffolding came loose as the workers worked on the University of Chicago’s new cancer and research pavilion project.
High winds with gusts up to 40 mph are partially to blame for the accident. Witnesses described the loose scaffolding still “swinging around in the wind” after the accident, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration was on site at the accident and further details, including whether the workers were tethered, were pending an investigation. Turner Construction Company is the employer of the two workers.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
