Two workers in Milwaukee County Courthouse were rescued after the scaffolding they were working on partially collapsed. The incident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. People at the scene were quick to lower ropes down to the trapped workers on the “swing stage” as part of the rescue effort. A third worker who was on a ledge just above the scaffolding also came over to assist.
Milwaukee firefighters arrived promptly to the courthouse and were observed on the roof and on the ground, aiding in the rescue operation. Approximately 45 minutes after the initial collapse, another piece of suspended scaffolding carrying two more workers was slowly lifted from the ground up the courthouse wall. The workers on the second scaffold managed to secure the two workers near the collapsed scaffold and continued their ascent to the courthouse roof. Thankfully, all four workers reached the roof safely.
During a news conference, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski mentioned that the cause of the collapse is still unknown but highlighted that there were no injuries in the incident. Lipski commended the highly skilled workers on the site, stating that they were prepared to go over the edge if necessary.
Lipski described the successful rescue as the “best ending” to the story. It was noted that Berglund Construction has been working on a stone repair project at the courthouse for several years.
Despite the potentially dangerous situation, the coordinated effort of the rescue team and the workers led to a successful outcome with no injuries reported. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in construction work and the significance of skilled professionals in handling such emergencies effectively.
The incident at the Milwaukee County Courthouse sheds light on the risks that workers in construction and maintenance face daily. It also emphasizes the critical role of emergency response teams in ensuring the safety of individuals in precarious situations. This event serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of those involved in the rescue operation.
As investigations into the cause of the scaffolding collapse continue, it is essential for authorities and construction companies to review safety protocols and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The successful rescue of the workers is a testament to the effectiveness of emergency response training and the importance of swift action in such circumstances.
