A worker on the Eads Bridge in St. Louis died recently when the structure was hit by a tow boat pushing barges.

The bridge worker fell from scaffolding where he was sandblasting when the collision occurred and landed on the tow boat’s platform. The 24-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the worker was employed by Thomas Industrial Coatings, based in Mississippi.

In 2006, three workers for Thomas Industrial Coatings were killed in separate scaffolding accidents, according to reports from OSHA.

Scaffolding is common in the construction and maritime industries, particularly in shipyards where workers use these temporary structures while working on vessels. While injured construction workers may be protected by workers compensation or general personal injury laws, and injured shipyard workers may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime laws.

If you are a worker who was injured on scaffolding, contact Maintenance and Cure today to get help protecting your legal rights.