Who is Liable for Injuries on Construction Sites?

Lever & Ecker, PLLC September 14, 2013 Construction Accidents

Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs a man or woman can do. According to OSHA, in 2011, there were 738 construction deaths. Workers are responsible for their own safety, but employers, owners and contractors have a responsibility to keep their people safe.

Common Injuries on Construction Sites

Falls from an elevated area
Falls, slips, trips at the same level
Caught between or under an object
Being struck by an object
Motor vehicle accidents including forklifts, dump trucks and other heavy machinery
Musculoskeletal injuries
Hearing damage
Eye damage from dust and debris
Electrocutions
Power tool and heavy machinery injuries
Being crushed

How Employers Can Prevent Injuries on the Job Site

Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their workers. Ways they must do this include:

Properly training workers for the specific job they are doing
Hold frequent and specific safety meetings
Provide safety equipment such as harnesses, respiratory and eye protection.
Maintain and routinely inspect all materials such as power tools, heavy equipment, ladders and scaffolding
Provide first aid kits and places to wash off any unhealthy debris
Expose workers only to OSHA regulated amounts of debris that can be inhaled
Enforce a lockout/tagout electrical system
Provide adequate time for eating and hydration
Give protection from the sun
Properly guard all rails, stairways and openings
Label and mark all openings in the floor and establish safety zones
Provide noise protection
Give defensive driving training
Routinely monitor the job site to see that all safety procedures are being followed

Construction can be dangerous but it does not have to be. If you or a loved one was seriously injured on a construction site due to the negligence of an employer, contact an experienced NY construction accident attorney today.

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