Construction Workers Face Serious Risks as Tampa Considers Stormproofing

After Hurricane Milton, Tampa is considering numerous construction projects to “stormproof” vulnerable areas. While these projects may increase safety for average citizens, construction workers could face serious risks in the next few years. Many of these projects will require underground drilling and tunneling – some of the most dangerous tasks in the construction industry. What can you do if you were injured in a Tampa construction accident?

 Tampa Considers Stormproofing Upgrades After Milton 

Before Hurricane Milton hit Tampa, many observers noted that the city’s storm-proofing upgrades were incomplete. Taxpayers had set aside millions for these infrastructure upgrades, many of which were unfinished when the storm impacted Tampa.

Speaking about the lack of proper drainage in certain areas, one city representative stated:

“As it exists currently, our system does need upgrades, especially as Tampa continues to grow. Importantly, projects like these require years to build and are very expensive. For these reasons we ask the public for patience as we work to bring more of them online.”

Although the city is better prepared to face floods than in previous years, there is still considerable work to be done. Much of this work involves drilling and tunneling and puts numerous construction workers in serious danger.

Some question whether these upgrades will even be effective. Among these are business owners in the South Howard Avenue area, who say that a new $65-million concrete box culvert won’t even help during major storms like Milton.

Why Is Tunneling So Dangerous in the Construction Industry? 

In the construction industry, tunnel workers are known as “sandhogs.” These workers face serious threats, especially when creating new drainage systems and tunnels. There are numerous risks, including floods, drowning, cave-ins, suffocation, toxic fumes, and much more. Many sandhogs have lost their lives creating these kinds of infrastructure projects.

This year, a worker in Tampa died due to an accident involving an auger – a type of drilling equipment. Back in 2018, a worker in Hillsborough County died after becoming trapped in an underground pipe.

The truth is that workers may sacrifice their lives in order to improve Tampa’s infrastructure before the next big storm. This could leave countless grieving families without financial support. Workers’ compensation death benefits could provide these families with enough financial security to face the future, but no amount of money can ever take back the tragedy of a deceased construction worker. We can only hope that Tampa’s new storm-proofing efforts will be conducted in a safe manner.

Can a Workers’ Comp Attorney Help After a Tampa Construction Accident? 

If you were injured in a construction accident, a Tampa workers’ comp attorney may be able to help you strive for financial support. Workers’ compensation lawyers can also help families who have lost loved ones to fatal construction accidents. The Franco Law Firm understands how dangerous tunneling and drilling can be. Reach out today, schedule a consultation, and discuss your legal options in more detail.

Sources: 

wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/south-tampa-residents-worried-flood-relief-project-will-do-more-harm-than-good/

nbcnews.com/weather/hurricanes/flood-protection-project-tampa-incomplete-city-braces-hurricane-milton-rcna174484