As we have mentioned in previous posts, certain employers throughout the state of Pennsylvania are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance. The workers' compensation policy is designed to provide benefits to employees of the business should they be injured while working.

The benefits provided under these policies vary depending on the extent of the injury suffered. Upon the acceptance of one's application, many injured workers find themselves receiving compensation for medical bills and lost wages. When someone is more seriously hurt while working and unable to return to a job, that person may be awarded longer term benefits.

While it is possible for a worker to be injured in a variety of different settings, falling objects are often the cause of injuries on construction sites. Earlier this week a Pennsylvania worker was hurt when a concrete barrier believed to weigh approximately 2,000 pounds, fell on him. What exactly the man was doing at the time of the incident is not yet known, but will likely be determined in the course of investigation OSHA will probably conduct.

The accident occurred near a construction site on Route 412. The work being done on the stretch of the road will add three lanes to the two already in existence. The five lanes will exist between Interstate 78 and Daly Avenue.

Though the specifics regarding the man's injuries are not known, there were reports that he suffered serious trauma which ultimately caused him to go into cardiac arrest. Accordingly, he was transported to an area hospital. He apparently received CPR during the ambulance ride.

Source: The Express-Times, "Man injured after concrete median barrier falls on him in Bethlehem – UPDATE," Sarah M. Wojcik , Sept. 4, 2012

• Our firm handles similar situations to the one discussed in this post. For more information on these types of claims, please visit our Pittsburgh work accidents page.