As we often say, while work-related injuries happen across all industries, the construction industry continues to experience the most fatalities as a result of work-related injuries. Some common accidents that occur at construction sites include: falls, injuries sustained by defective equipment, and being crushed by falling objects, equipment and buildings.

Sadly, this last example is the type of accident that recently took the life of a San Marcos, Texas, worker. Now the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation into the construction worker's death.

The 34-year-old man was fatally injured when the pre-engineered metal building frame that was under construction collapsed upon him while he was working underneath of it. The accident occurred close to noon on July 28.

Another worker who was injured in same mishap was transported to a nearby university medical center where he was treated and released. Information about his condition as well as any other details about him was not immediately available.

Both men were employed by a steel erecting subcontractor that was working for the construction company hired to build the structure. The finished building was planned to be occupied by Thermon Manufacturing, a manufacturing facility which produces heat tracing products that are used principally in the refining of oil and gas.

Preliminary results of the investigation in addition to information about the reasons for the building collapse have not been released by OSHA. On average, OSHA investigations usually take several months to complete.

If it is concluded that negligence on behalf of the subcontractor or the construction company contributed to the accident, both could face personal injury lawsuits.

The injured worker may also be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, but in turn, he will not be able to sue his employer for negligence. However, it would still be possible for him to sue a third party that is responsible for the accident.

Source: KXAN.com, "San Marcos worker who died identified," July 28, 2011.