As readers in Massachusetts know, construction sites can be busy and dangerous places. A range of people -- contractors, engineers, architects, and other skilled workers -- are often coming and going, and that rolling cast of characters can sometimes pose difficulties in determining liability when a construction accident occurs. However, there are laws and regulations in Massachusetts that are specifically designed to make constructions sites as safe as possible. Sometimes, and especially when repairs are needed on a particular structure, the risk of personal injury is even greater, since the damage to be repaired may create structural dangers for the workers on the scene. In any case, workers who are injured on the job, regardless of the situation, have a right to seek workers' compensation for their injuries.

These important issues are likely on the minds of two employees who were injured today while making repairs to power lines and a bridge on Route 128. The two injured men are employees of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. At the time of the electrical accident, they were working on a section of damaged conduit. The job required some drilling, and the drill apparently hit some wires, causing a fire. Reportedly, both lanes at exit 26 on Route 128 were closed while the fire and the men's injuries were tended to.

A spokesperson for the MDT said that one of the workers suffered burns to his face, and that he was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. It was said that the other man suffered burns on his hands and was taken to Newton-Wellesley Hospital. News reports indicated that an investigation of the accident is underway.

Undoubtedly, these employees will want to explore their legal options in terms of obtaining due compensation for their injuries. In addition to pain and suffering, the injuries sustained in the accident will almost certainly result in lost wages and high medical bills. That is why these workers should be made fully aware of their rights under Massachusetts and federal law.

Source: Waltham Patch, "Updated: Two Men Burned While Working in Waltham," Ryan Grannan-Doll, Dec. 29, 2011