The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and YTL International, the manufacturer, have recalled more than 20,000 drywall lifts. From January 2013 through January 2016, the recalled drywall lifts were sold for around $250 at Lowe’s, Menards and Orgill Inc. locations nationwide. The recalled drywall lifts were manufactured in China. Many of these drywall lifts have been purchased by contractors and companies, some of which may even involve companies in Rhode Island. These lifts could potentially injure a user, and Rhode Island Construction companies should be aware of the possibility of an accident if there is a continued use of the recalled equipment.
Why Were The Drywall Lifts Recalled?
Before the drywall lift recall was publicized, YTL International and the CPSC learned of two incidents involving the drywall lifts failing and drop their load. Luckily, no injuries or deaths stemmed from the drywall lift defect, although serious injury could occur. Any consumer or company in possession of one of the recalled drywall lifts are being asked to halt usage of the product until they have contact YTL International for a return label to ship the recalled product back to the manufacturer.
How Can I lessen My Chances of a Rhode Island Construction Accident?
- Equipment used on a construction site can have multiple pinch points that may cause dismemberment or death. It is important to remain vigilant for these points.
- Use only on solid, level surfaces. Remaining on solid, level surfaces help reduce the possibility of a tipping of machinery that could cause a construction accident.
- Test the load before balance lifting. This is very important to make sure that your machine can bear the amount of weight. If it is not able to, lessen the load to create a more stable machine.
- Never exceed rated load capacity or lift more than one drywall sheet at a time. Doing so puts a greater risk of harm on the worker or people around you in the case of an accident or tipping of the machine.
What Should I Do If injured Because of a Rhode Island Construction Accident?
- Seek medical attention immediately. If needed, call an ambulance so that you can make sure that you receive the proper care. Some injuries are not apparent right away, such as concussions, which can take several hours or even days to show symptoms.
- Take pictures of the accident scene as soon as you can.
- File an accident report with your employer.
- Make sure to get your own copies of all the documents that are produced during this period.
- Consider hiring an experienced construction accident lawyer in Rhode Island, who can tell you if you have a potential lawsuit.
Contact a Rhode Island Construction Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a construction accident in Rhode Island, you may have a third party lawsuit against the negligent party and be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, as well as Worker’s Compensation or Social Security Disability Benefits. Our firm, and the lawyers that we work with, have experience handling different types of construction accident cases. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number, 1-800-992-6878, or fill out a contact form on our website.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
Rate this Post
Loading...