Accident victim interview report - Essay Example

Accident victim interview report Accident victim interview report The victim works for a renowned Construction company, which deals with the construction of skyscrapers in urban areas (see appendix-1). The victim is an ironworker at this Construction Company and his duty is to erect iron/steel rods. Usually, steel bars are handled with due care and attention because the same is heavy. In this case, the accident happened on June 08th 2012. On that day, the victim was working with other ironworkers, trying to complete maintenance work at a building.

The victim was not aware of the fact that one of his co-workers was trying to handle a load of steel bars, which happened to be the reason behind the accident. Rubinow (1969) states that, “One has only to think of the peculiar dangers which a structural iron-worker must face daily in the construction of modern skyscrapers” (p.71). The victim clarified that steel bars must be handled by skilled ironworkers. Usually, most of the construction companies make use of safety measures while handling steel bars.

For instance, structural ironworkers make use of cranes to lift steel bars. To be specific, co-ordination and mutual understanding among the ironworkers reduce the scope of accidents. The victim’s co-worker pointed out that the victim was in a hurry because he was asked to complete the work within deadline. So, the victim was forced to ignore safety measures and it resulted in the accident. While hoisting a steel bar, one of the cables happened to get loose and the victim’s hand was trapped under the steel bar.

The safety officers started rescue work and the victim was transported to the hospital in no time. The doctor’s diagnosis proved that the victim’s left hand was fractured. The timely rescue measures adopted by the safety officers saved the victim from further injury. The victim was forced to discontinue his work for more than 2 months to deal with the fracture. But the injury was not so severe to keep the victim away from his job for a long time. The company authorities and the doctors provided ample importance to the victim’s treatment because the accident and related issues may weaken the company’s reputation.

The doctors pointed out that the fracture is not that much severe and can be cured within 2 months. The victim further added that he feels much better and is expecting an early recovery. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) authorities visited the site, investigated the case, and the company was forced to pay reasonable fine. Besides, the company authorities agreed to provide economic aid to the victim. At the same time, the construction company decided to improve the safety measures to be adopted by the ironworkers.

The company decided to provide special training to its safety officers to deal with similar incidents in future. On the other side, the company decided to improve the quality of equipments used in their construction sites. The victim rejoined his company and started his work in a slow pace because he was aware of the fact that patience and safety measures are important for an ironworker. The victim further added that the timely rescue measures adopted by the safety officers, co-operation by his co-workers, and the company’s responsibility towards its workers saved his life and helped him learn an important lesson in his life.

ReferencesRubinow, I.M. (1969). Social Insurance. US: Ayer Publishing. AppendicesAppendix-1 The interview held on 08.10.2012, with an ironworker named as John Smith, a victim of occupational injury. Interviewer: Good morning, Mr. John Smith. I heard about the accident and I wish to prepare a report on the same. Will you please explain the grass root level reason behind the accident? John Smith: Good morning. Sure. I shall explain the reason behind the accident because now I am almost recovered from the physical and emotional trauma.

First of all, I am an ironworker, who used to erect iron/steel rods. We handle iron bars with due care and attention. On June 08th 2012, I was working with other ironworkers, trying to complete maintenance work at a building. But I was not aware of the fact that one of my co-workers was trying to handle a load of steel bars, which happened to be the reason behind the accident.Interviewer: Okay. What is your opinion on the safety measures adopted by your company authorities? John Smith: You can see that steel bars must be unloaded with care and must be handled by skilled ironworkers.

My company adopts safety measures while handling heavy steel bars. Interviewer: Then, how did the accident happen?John Smith: While handling the steel bars, I felt much stress because I need to complete the whole work within deadline. So, I ignored safety measures and the same resulted in the accident. Interviewer: Oh, is it? Do you have any idea about the rescue measures adopted by the safety officers and your co-workers?John Smith: No. Later at the hospital, some of my co-workers pointed out that the safety officers played the most important role in the rescue mission.

Interviewer: Okay. What did the doctor say? Can you continue your work at the company?John Smith: Hmm. The doctors pointed out that the fracture was not so serious and I need to undergo bed rest for at least 2 months and can continue my work. Interviewer: Are you satisfied with the investigation by OSHA and the initial response from your company authorities? John Smith: Yes. The OSHA authorities investigated the case and asked my company to pay reasonable fine and my company authorities agreed to do so.

Besides, my company authorities decided to improve safety measures and to provide training facilities to the safety officers. Interviewer: Do you feel any physical problem related to the accident? What did you learn from the accident?John Smith: Now I am okay, and I do not feel any sort of physical or emotional problem related to the accident. I learned an important lesson from the accident that safety measures are most important for an ironworker. Interviewer: Thanks a lot for sharing the information related to the accident.

John Smith: Most welcome.