New York Construction Accidents Attorneys Representing Injured Workers in Construction Accident NYC
Construction worksites are among the most dangerous workplaces in the nation. In 2014, workers in the construction industry represented 20.5 percent (899) of the 4,386 private industry fatalities nationwide. More than half of these deaths stemmed from what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) terms the “Fatal Four” (e.g., falls, electrocution, struck by an object, caught in or between objects).
Many of these deaths are preventable simply by adhering to OSHA standards. Some of 2015’s Top 10 OSHA violations in construction include:
Fall-Related Violations
Falls are the most common cause of construction site deaths. In 2014, almost 40 percent (359) of all construction worker fatalities stemmed from falls. OSHA has a number of standards in place to prevent falls, such as personal fall arrest systems, guardrail systems, and safety net systems.
Scaffold Accidents
OSHA also commonly sees violations of scaffolding regulations. For example, under CFR § 1926.451(a)(1), a scaffold should be able to support its own weight in addition to four times its maximum intended load. Violations of scaffolding regulations can lead to scaffold collapse, falls from height, and crushing injuries.
Ladder Falls
Ladder regulations are another common construction violation area. Ladders should be able to support 3.3-four times their maximum load without failing. Ladder failure can lead to deadly falls from height.
Other Violations That Might Affect Construction Workers Electrical Violations
Electrical accidents were the second leading cause of construction worker deaths, with 74 people dying on worksites due to these injuries in 2014. Some of the most common standards violated that can cause these accidents include:
- Improper control of hazardous energy, often known as lockout/tagout
- Problems with electrical wiring methods, components, and equipment
- Issues with the electrical systems design
Powered Industrial Truck and Machinery-Related Violations
While these violations are most common in general industry, they also occur on construction worksites. These violations have led to many serious injuries, such as:
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Burns
Hazard Communication Standard Violations
OSHA requires the classification of all chemical hazards; it also requires that those with information about any potential chemical hazards (e.g., hazards that workers will likely encounter daily as well as those they may encounter in an emergency situation) must give that information to employers and employees.
Employers must always share information about any hazardous chemicals they may come into contact with. The information must include:
- The substance’s identity
- Any health effects (and what organs it may affect)
- Who the employees should contact in an emergency (e.g., spill)
Respiratory Protection Violations
OSHA sets standards for the type of respiratory protection necessary in a number of situations, such as construction work on older buildings containing harmful or hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos). OSHA requires that employers provide their employees with respirators in any situation where workers may breathe in harmful materials. OSHA also states that employers are “responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program.”
What if I believe I suffered injuries due to an OSHA violation?
OSHA takes violations very seriously. These standards are in place in order to prevent worker injuries and deaths, and any violation of the standards puts construction workers in danger.
If you sustained injuries in a Construction Accident NYC, New York Construction Accidents Attorneys of The Rybak Firm, PLLC., can help you file a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit. Contact us today at (718) 307-5554 for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Accident Lawyer Near Me
Our offices are located in Brooklyn, NY. Although our offices are in Brooklyn, NY we serve the whole NYC Metro Area and represent clients in every borough of New York City. Our Construction Accident Lawyer will travel to you if you are unable to meet at our offices due to an injury. We also provide free transportation to and from our offices.
Our office address is:
1810 Voorhies Ave
Suite #7
Brooklyn, NY 11235