The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in New York City for workers. In 2020 alone, 502 workers were injured in construction accidents around NYC, with the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health reporting 41 worker fatalities during the same period.
All workers on construction sites have the right to work in safe working conditions. Unfortunately, many accidents and fatalities sustained in construction accidents are entirely preventable when proper safety protocols are not followed. Because of this, New York encourages both employees and the general public to report safety violations when they see them.
It is important to seek the help of an experienced construction accident lawyer when you have been injured on a construction site. At K L Sanchez, Law Office, our team of skilled New York City construction accident attorneys may be able to help you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Contact us today at (646) 701-7990 to schedule a consultation.
New York City’s Crackdown on Unsafe Construction Conditions
The problem with construction safety violations in New York City has been an ongoing one. The New York City Department of Buildings published a safety report providing an analysis of incidents over 2019 and 2020 that had led to fatal and near-fatal accidents of workers during that time.
In response to this analysis and an uptick in construction fatalities in the early months of 2021, they mobilized teams of inspectors who conducted a zero-tolerance sweep of the city. They shut down hundreds of construction sites throughout the city for safety violations in that sweep.
What Is a Construction Accident Report?
A construction accident report is a critical document detailing any injury or illness that occurs on a construction site. It serves as a formal record that construction employers in cities like New York must submit to regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the NYC Department of Buildings. This submission is not only a regulatory requirement but also a proactive measure for initiating workers’ compensation claims for affected workers.
The significance of these reports extends beyond compliance. They are instrumental in upholding safety standards within the construction industry. By evaluating accident reports, OSHA may conduct site inspections to identify and address safety protocol breaches, thereby mitigating the risk of future accidents.
Such reports also hold value for transparency and accountability. As public records, they provide insights into a construction company’s safety culture, informing both current and potential employees about the work environment they may encounter. Moreover, these documents aid OSHA and the NYC Department of Buildings in calculating a company’s incident rate, which could lead to disciplinary action should the rate be excessive.
Key elements contained in a construction accident report include:
- Date and Time: When the accident occurred.
- Location: The specific place on the site where the incident took place.
- Reporter Details: Identity and organization of the person reporting, such as a general contractor or site owner.
- Site Information: The name of the site owner and the number of active permits.
- Incident Description: A narrative of what happened, providing as much detail as possible.
- Casualties: The count of injuries or fatalities resulting from the event.
- Site Details: Additional relevant information about the construction site.
Creating a thorough construction accident report is a step toward safer construction sites and a record that helps protect workers and maintain high safety standards industry-wide.
| Key Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | When the accident occurred. |
| Location | The specific place on the site where the incident took place. |
| Reporter Details | Identity and organization of the person reporting, such as a general contractor or site owner. |
| Site Information | The name of the site owner and the number of active permits. |
| Incident Description | A narrative of what happened, providing as much detail as possible. |
| Casualties | The count of injuries or fatalities resulting from the event. |
| Site Details | Additional relevant information about the construction site. |
Reporting an Accident as Soon as Possible
If you have witnessed a construction accident in NYC, it is critical to report it as soon as possible.
- If there has been an injury or fatality, call 911 immediately.
- If no one has been injured, report the accident to a safety supervisor on the job.
- Report any accident to the New York City Department of Buildings by calling 311 or (212) 602-0431.
- If possible, stay onsite until an investigator arrives.
Reporting an accident to the Department of Buildings can be done anonymously. The DOB will not ask for your name, birth date, or your immigration status.
How to Report Unsafe Conditions on a Jobsite
Witness intervention is critical in preventing tragic construction accidents in New York City. The city wants anyone who sees a safety violation to report it immediately so it can be addressed. If you see a safety violation, you can report it to the NYC Department of Buildings:
- Through the DOB’s website.
- By calling the Department of Building’s hotline at 1-888-469-7365 or dial 311.
You can also report any safety concerns to the federal government through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. You can file the complaint online or, if it is an immediate emergency, call 1-800-321-6742. OSHA keeps all complaints confidential.
Your Legal Rights If You Report a Violation
You have the right to report any safety violations confidentially. Furthermore, if you are an employee of the job site and report a safety violation to the Department of Buildings, you are protected under the law from any retaliation from your employer.
If you are facing retaliation from your employer for reporting an unsafe condition, you should contact an NYC construction accident attorney. At K L Sanchez Law Office, Keetick Sanchez and her team of skilled New York City construction accident lawyers diligently represent construction workers to ensure that their legal rights are protected. Call us at (646) 701-7990 or contact us through our website to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
