Construction Worker Dies In Hand Saw Accident At Homewood-Flossmoor HS

FLOSSMOOR, IL — A construction worker injured in an accident at Homewood-Flossmoor High School on Wednesday has died.

Masonry worker Ronald P. Simonson, 63, of Vernon Hills, was injured at 11 a.m. Wednesday, and was taken to South Suburban Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Simonson died from injuries caused by a motorized hand saw, an autopsy determined.

Homewood-Flossmoor Fire Department was called just after 11 a.m. to the school, 999 Kedzie Ave., for a reported accident at a construction site at the school's South Building.Emergency personnel arrived within minutes. The accident occurred at the site of the construction of a new science building on the school’s campus.

"Today is a very sad day for the HF community as we grieve the loss of a masonry worker who died following an accident while working on the science building project yesterday," said Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakely. "We extend our deepest condolences to his family, coworkers and friends. Our hearts go out to them as they cope with this loss. It is in difficult times like this that the HF family comes together to support each other.

"We are grateful to first responders from Flossmoor, Homewood and Hazel Crest who immediately responded yesterday to care for him. ... The safety of our students, staff and those working on our campus is our top priority. The construction site is only accessible to construction crews and there is no danger to students or staff. While there was very limited opportunity for students or staff to have seen the accident based on its location at the construction site, the school’s Counseling Department is prepared to speak with any students or staff members who are experiencing reactions."

Investigations into the accident are expected to take place by an independent inspection company as well as OSHA, Flossmoor officials said.