In order to really understand the need for workplace safety in construction, you have to understand some of the biggest hazards and risks that workers deal with on a regular basis. Personal injury lawyers typically understand these types of risks, but for others, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has listed the types of hazards that show up the most in company citations and in unfortunate workplace accidents.
Falls
Falling from a significant height is one of the most fundamental hazards for construction workers, especially in places like New York City where vertical building is commonplace. Even a fall from one or two stories can be deadly. In order to mitigate these risks, OSHA recommends that a worker uses safety harnesses and other gear that would secure him or her in the event of a fall.
Trench Collapses
Trench collapses also cause dozens of injuries and fatalities every year. OSHA has made specific recommendations to minimize the chances of trench injury. These include appropriate sloping where trench walls are cut back at an angle and inclined away from excavation. OSHA also recommends the shoring up of materials and shielding with trench boxes or other types of support. Trench exit access is also important.
Scaffold Collapse
The state of New York has a very strict scaffold law on the books to protect workers. Still, scaffold collapses and injuries from poorly-erected scaffolding are widespread within the construction industry, and it’s something that everyone should be vigilant about at all times.
Electric Shock and Welding Arc Injury
Workers on construction sites are also exposed to risks of injury by electric shock. Solutions include labeling high-voltage systems, using proper grounding equipment, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and establishing a clear set of rules and regulations for handling electrical systems as part of a job site. Welders also have their own risks related to arc injuries. Many of these can also be defended against with personal protective equipment like a visor, gloves, suiting and other types of gear.
Failure to Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment
As mentioned above, PPE is extremely important in many types of jobs. Many injuries happen because employers don’t offer these materials or workers don’t use them. Some work injury cases come down to arguing about why someone didn’t wear or use personal protective equipment. The issue itself is extremely integral to construction safety.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Unlike the other categories above, repetitive motion injuries occur over a period of time. They’re more similar to other types of environmental or gradual injuries, such as exposure to harsh chemicals. But repetitive motion injuries are also an important thing to guard against. Employers, including construction companies, have to look at ergonomic issues and how to support workers as they perform repetitive tasks in the field.
Contact New York City Construction Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been harmed in a New York City construction or building accident, talk to the lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. We will help you determine your rights and options under the law. Do not hesitate to ask us about building a personal injury case to seek compensation for the cost of care and recovery. Let us help you get justice after a construction accident.
