A recent New Jersey industrial accident claimed the life of a 47-year-old female dockworker, according to The Star-Ledger. The accident occurred while the woman was unloading a container ship at the Port Newark Container Terminal. The woman was caught between two metal containers which were being unloaded off of a ship in Newark Bay. She was taken to University Hospital by ambulance, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The circumstances of the worker’s death at the privately run container terminal in Newark’s East Ward are currently under investigation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified.
The loading and unloading of containers off of ships is highly dangerous work. Each container is typically the size of a railroad car. Cranes and other equipment are used to move these heavy containers on and off of the dock/ship while workers guide them to their proper location. If the crane or other equipment is defective, malfunctions or is negligently operated, it may drop the container, or continue moving it when it needs to stop; creating a potentially dangerous condition which can cause injuries.
The manufacturers and operators of work equipment and machines are responsible for the safety of their products.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a New Jersey workplace accident caused by defective, improperly maintained or operated machinery or equipment, the experienced NJ industrial accident lawyers at Blume Forte may be able to help you obtain compensation for your losses. Call us at 973-845-4421 to determine whether your claim may be meritorious.