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Lever & Ecker, PLLC November 5, 2022 Construction Accidents
Construction work is a dangerous occupation, requiring great attention to safety on the job site. In 2021, there were over 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and 4,764 fatalities, and construction occupations accounted for nearly half of all fatal occupational injuries. Full adherence to safety guidelines and regulations on construction sites would certainly lead to a reduction in serious injury, improvement in production rates, prevention of project delays, and lower overall project costs.
Many construction workers injured on the job site may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may also be able to seek legal compensation through a lawsuit (called a third-party action) against the construction site owner and/or construction manager/general contractor. The construction accident lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, have over 65 years of combined legal experience advocating for construction workers’ rights and we understand the laws surrounding construction site accident negligence.
The following are six construction safety tips for construction workers to follow to help avoid an occupational injury or fatality:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to protect workers from injuries. However, the top OSHA violation in construction occupations is the lack of proper personal injury protection for falls and respiration. In New York, this type of gear is essential as fall protection harnesses and lanyards prevent falls from height-related projects.
Construction equipment and power tools used by construction workers and contractors are manufactured with built-in guards and other safety features to prevent injuries. Avoid modifying or removing safety guards when performing a job. Tools and equipment should be regularly inspected to ensure the safety measures are intact.
A messy or cluttered job site can lead to numerous accidents, especially trip-and-fall accidents. Even though this may add an extra step to an already busy day, cleaning up regularly can help ensure everyone stays safe.
Every worker on the construction site should be properly trained through all phases of a project, especially in safety procedures and emergency protocols. An induction checklist may also be used to help ensure all workers achieve a base understanding of their job and safety requirements.
Ladder and scaffolding safety are among the top OSHA concerns on construction sites, resulting in many injuries. Workers should be trained on the proper use of ladders and scaffolds to avoid fall injuries.
Electricity can pose a serious safety risk when not used correctly. Workers must use properly grounded cords and cables specific to the project. Damaged cords and cables should not be used and should be replaced immediately.
Regular inspections should be a high priority on the construction site to ensure tools can be used properly and in the ways intended by the manufacturer. If a defect or issue is discovered, the equipment or tool should be decommissioned or repaired before further use.
The construction site injury lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, are prepared to help you seek maximum compensation in a third-party liability lawsuit if you were injured on the job. We have 65+ years of combined legal experience advocating for New Yorkers’ rights and understand the complexity of these types of cases. Some companies cut corners and ignore safety regulations in order to save money or complete jobs faster. We hold them accountable for the serious injuries you suffered due to their negligence.
Contact an award-winning construction accident lawyer at (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632, or fill out a contact form for a free assessment of your case.
