constructon accident

You may not regularly peruse the press releases published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), so one announcement in particular might have slipped under the radar for many Florida workers. On October 27, 2021, the agency issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding new standards on heat exposure for employees working both indoors and outside. The initiative aims to protect workers as they perform job-related tasks in hot environments, as well to alleviate the risk of injuries from exposure to extreme heat.

For most of the US, working outside over the next few months will NOT trigger OSHA regulations on heat exposure: The standards take effect when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees. However, it is common for employees in South Florida to work in such conditions almost year-round. While you should always trust a Miami workplace injury lawyer for help if you suffer from a work-related medical condition, you should note some key provisions of the new OSHA standards.

Dangers of Working in Extreme Heat

What should have been a balmy seaside morning in Miami quickly turned to chaos, confusion, and horror on June 24, 2021 as a 12 story, 130 unit condominium Champlain Condominium building suddenly collapsed. Miami’s NBC affiliate News Channel 6 covered the incident, with at least one witness describing the Champlain Towers South Condo as falling flat like a pancake into a pile of rubble. First responders arrived from Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County to assist with the search and rescue effort which will continue and be followed by a thorough investigation. The level of mass destruction demands a meticulous probe into how such a tragedy could happen.

The focus right now is on search and rescue, helping survivors, helping displaced residents and comforting families. In time, victims and their family members will want to understand their legal rights and remedies. Many of the issues will revolve around Florida premises liability concepts, potential violations of the Florida Building Code, and other details which will depend upon the results of officials’ investigation. At Gerson and Schwartz, our hearts go out to all victims and those affected. We continue to investigate and gather information. Still, here is a summary of the information available now.

Updated Facts on the Champlain Condo Building Collapse in Surfside

Articles Posted in constructon accident

OSHA to Consider New Standards for Outdoor Work Impact Miami Employees

Champlain Towers Condo Collapse: Early Assessment of Causes, Contributing Factors in the Surfside Tragedy