Construction workers in New York City face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country. Many of these hazards result from the failure of employers and other contractors to meet federal safety standards. This means two things: (1) many accidents on construction sites are preventable; (2) when accidents do occur, construction companies and contractors are often to blame for workers’ injuries and losses.
Top 10 most common construction site safety violations, according to OSHA
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the 10 most common safety violations on construction sites in the United States are as follows:
- Lack of fall protection: falls are among the most common accidents on construction sites, accounting for nearly 40% of all construction-related deaths. For fall protection, OSHA recommends, among others: floor hole protectors, guardrails, footboards, machine guards, harnesses and safety cables.
- Lack of effective hazard communication: Where hazardous chemicals are present on construction sites, OSHA safety standards require all employers to ensure proper labeling and provide adequate training to their employees.
- Defective scaffolding: defective scaffolding causes numerous fatal accidents each year. Common problems include sagging planks and supports, slippery surfaces, and exposure to falling objects.
- Inadequate respiratory protection: Employers must provide respiratory protection for workers who are exposed to dust, smoke, fumes and other harmful substances at work. OSHA reports that failure to comply with its respiratory protection standards results in hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses each year.
- Inadequate control of sources of hazardous electricity (lockout/tagout): Discharges of electricity due to inadequate lockout/tagout practices and procedures often cause electrocutions, burns, injuries, fractures and other serious damage.
- Motorized commercial vehicle accidents: Forklift accidents are usually caused by a lack of safety on construction sites and a lack of operator training. The cause of motor vehicle accidents is often attributed to problems such as inadequate weight compensation, overly heavy loads, and negligent operation.
- Dangerous ladders and inadequate ladder safety: Ladders are one of the most common pieces of equipment on construction sites, and ladder safety is essential to prevent many types of dangerous injuries. Proper ladder safety includes making sure that ladders are clean and in good condition, and that helpers are available to support them when needed.
- Defective electrical wiring methods, components, and equipment: We all know the hazards of electricity, and OSHA requires employers to provide adequate protection against electrical shock, electrocution, electrical fire, and explosion. Unfortunately, many employers do not protect their employees from the hazards of working around energized wires.
- Lack of adequate safety guards for machines: OSHA requires employers to provide safety guards when a machine may injure its operator or other workers around it.
- Defective electrical system designs: In addition to using safe methods and materials for electrical wiring, employers must also ensure that electrical systems located on their construction sites are properly designed to avoid the risk of serious or fatal injury.
Gorayeb & Associates : New York City Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been injured on a construction site call Gorayeb & Associates at 646-760-5841 for a free consultation.
Common Questions About Risks for Construction Workers in New York City
What do I do if I had an accident at work?
When you have an accident, you should call an ambulance immediately. When you see the doctor, tell him you were injured at work. Many times employers will ask you not to report the accident or even say that the accident did not happen on the job. Your boss is trying to remove important evidence and deny that there was an accident. After you receive medical attention, call Gorayeb & Associates to learn about your rights.
How long do I have to file a claim after an accident?
In New York State, the time can be as short as 60 days if you are injured on property owned by a municipality or a government organization. In other cases, the time period to begin a lawsuit is three years from the day of the accident. If you are injured in an accident you should immediately consult with an attorney to learn about your rights and what steps you should take to protect yourself.
If I have an accident at work, who pays for my medical expenses?
You are entitled to a workers’ compensation claim. The law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Your employer’s insurer is responsible for paying your medical expenses and part of your wages for the time you are disabled. If you were injured on a construction site, in addition to your workers’ compensation claim, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against the owner of the property where the accident occurred.
