OSHA Investigation Underway After Two Construction Workers Seriously Injured in New Bedford Accident After Steel Column Rebar Cages Collapsed
NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS (April 30, 2026) – Two workers were seriously injured in a New Bedford construction accident after large steel column rebar cages collapsed on top of them.
Bristol County officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday. Two construction workers were hit by steel column rebar cages after the structure collapsed.
The construction project is apparently part of the Interstate 195 to Route 18 interchange rehab project. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victims.
They were transported to the hospital to receive treatment. A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing at this time.
Who is Liable for a Construction Accident in New Bedford?
Employers across Massachusetts have a legal obligation to maintain worksites in a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Several factors could contribute to any steel column collapse accident.
- Improper Bracing: Steel columns may not have been properly braced or shored.
- Inadequate Tying: Steel columns may not have been properly secured at enough points so that they are stable.
- Communication Failures: Workers at a construction site may not properly communicate with each other during key periods. This could allow one worker or crew to remove key support structures.
- Exclusion Zones: A construction site may have failed to set up exclusion zones that would prevent workers from entering areas where collapses are more likely to occur.
When a worker is injured in a construction accident, they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help workers after an accident. An injured worker may also be able to pursue damages through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. For example, a general contractor could be liable for an accident if they failed to provide safety equipment.
How to Protect Your Injury Claim: Preserving Construction Site Evidence
Despite years of safety advances, many people are still injured or killed in preventable accidents at construction sites. Many of these accidents involve workers who are struck by falling objects. According to OSHA, “Struck-by objects is another leading cause of construction-related deaths. Approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes.” It is vital that evidence be properly preserved after any struck-by accident.
- Medical Records: All of the medical records related to the accident should be collected and preserved.
- OSHA Report: Any report created by OSHA should be carefully reviewed.
- Photographs: Lots of photographs of the accident site should be taken.
- Construction Records: All of the safety records related to the construction project should be reviewed.
Construction accidents tend to be highly preventable. They often involve projects and companies that are plagued by safety violations. Unfortunately, construction companies and the various contractors that assist them will never admit fault when something goes wrong. However, workers are protected by a number of rights. They’re able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil action.
Contact a New Bedford Construction Accident Lawyer at DiBella Law
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the workers injured in this New Bedford construction accident. It is our sincere hope that the victims will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Have you been injured in a Massachusetts construction accident? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Our team of Boston construction accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney may be able to help with your case, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (855) 342-3552.
