We often talk about the work of federal and state regulators, safety advocacy groups and others standing in the gap to provide safety for front-line workers in the construction industry, but in some cases, the workers themselves also seek improvements within the industry.
A report in ENRNew York shows thousands of workers rallying on the streets to ask for stricter safety regulations within New York City boroughs. Union workers and public officials met in front of City Hall, carrying symbolic coffins and playing “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes to highlight the very real risks that workers there face and to represent those who tragically passed away on the job.
The Death Toll is Rising
Part of what may have motivated this rally, according to the records, is 16 deaths across the NYC area in fiscal year 2015. This number is up from 12 fatalities the previous year and 7 the year before. The records further noted that many of those accidents were “completely avoidable.” Those types of reports are likely a large part of what is motivating these mass rallies. There’s a big difference between the risks inherent in the industry and engaging in safety violations that leave workers in peril just to cut corners or save a little money. Workers deserve to work in safe environments and the recent demonstrations are just one part of a sustained drive to promote construction safety in and around the five boroughs.
Representing Injured Workers
Personal injury attorneys understand all too well the plight of the average construction worker. Construction is a tough industry that has real dangers and challenges. In addition to the physical and mental toughness that’s needed to participate in such a trade, workers need to understand their rights under the law. They often face a lack of personal protective equipment, sites that lack key safety infrastructure or sites that are not laid out or organized according to key safety principles.
Too often, injured workers are retaliated against at work, which leads them to ultimately accept lowball settlement offers or simply drop the injury case altogether. Good personal injury attorneys recognize the need to protect their clients and get them fair results in courts. They do the fact-finding to establish a case. They engage with insurance companies or others who may be contacting their clients. They use knowledge of federal, state and local law, as well as case precedent to guide their clients and explore the avenues available to them under the law.
Look to New York City Construction Accident Lawyers for Help
Are you a construction worker who was injured in the New York City area? Contact the personal injury and construction accident lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. We will listen to your concerns and help you assess your injury case to pursue compensation for medical bills and more. Let us help you protect yourself in a work injury case.
