In New York City, at every turn, we see more construction. From renovations to demolitions to building the newest sleekest high-rise from the ground up, our constant state of construction development creates safety hazards for those who routinely work on these job sites, including the risk of injuries caused by falling objects.
While state and local governments have implemented strict laws around the construction industry here, it remains an industry plagued by accidents year after year. In 2021 alone, the New York City Department of Buildings reported 712 construction incidents resulting in 505 injuries and 9 fatalities. Unfortunately, many sites have continued to operate throughout the years while having a myriad of safety complaints against them for inadequate safety protocols.
It is important to seek the help of an experienced NYC construction site slip and fall lawyer when you have been injured on a construction site. At K L Sanchez Law Office, our skilled construction accident attorneys can provide legal representation for your construction accident case, assist in filing a claim, and may be able to help you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Contact us at (646) 701-7990 to schedule a free consultation.
Falls are the Deadliest of all Construction Accidents
According to OSHA, the most deadly construction accidents involve gravity-related falls. These include
- Falls from buildings or scaffolding due to unstable or unsafe environments
- Slip and falls
- Falling debris
Falls From Building or Scaffolding
Construction workers are often required to work from great heights on our job sites, many from scaffolding structures. OSHA has strict requirements concerning scaffolding design and standards. When these standards are not adhered to, serious falls can happen, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Scaffolding itself creates its own set of safety issues. Scaffolding that is improperly designed, maintained, or erected creates numerous safety issues for those who rely on them. Inadequate training or access to safety equipment and fall protection create safety risks for anyone working in the vicinity. From overloading scaffolding to erecting it too close to energy sources, many issues can lead to scaffolding accidents resulting in serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Slip and Fall Accidents on Construction Sites
Many slip and fall accidents on construction sites are due to hazardous conditions on the job site. These include surface and environmental conditions, obstructions, site-coordination issues, and human error.
Falling Tools and Debris
According to EHS Today, a publication dedicated to occupational safety, injuries and fatalities caused by falling objects occur every 10 minutes on construction sites. OSHA requires that all materials and tools in a work environment be properly secured to prevent falling.
| Most Common Accident on a Construction Site | Details |
|---|---|
| Falls from Building or Scaffolding | Accidents from working at heights on scaffolding or buildings due to unstable environments, improper design or erection, lack of training, safety equipment, or overloading of scaffolding. |
| Slip and Fall Accidents | Accidents caused by hazardous conditions, such as uneven surfaces, obstructions, coordination issues, and human error. |
| Falling Tools and Debris | Injuries and fatalities resulting from falling objects due to improper securing of materials and tools in the work environment. |
Why Are Slips So Common on Construction Sites?
Slips on construction sites are a frequent hazard, primarily due to the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of these environments. Several factors contribute to making slips a common occurrence in construction areas. Here are the primary reasons:
- Wet and Slippery Surfaces: Construction sites often have areas where water or other liquids have spilled, leading to slippery conditions. Weather conditions such as rain or snow can also exacerbate this problem, making surfaces treacherous. Activities such as painting, roofing, or plumbing can leave behind spills of water, oil, or other substances.
- Debris and Obstructions: These sites are typically cluttered with materials, tools, and waste, which can easily lead to tripping hazards. Pieces of wood, metal, or unused construction materials can lie around, posing risks for workers who may not always see them while focused on their tasks.
- Uneven Ground and Improper Footwear: The terrain at a construction site is rarely even. Uneven ground, holes, or unexpected changes in surface level contribute significantly to slip risks. Additionally, if workers are not equipped with footwear designed for high traction on varied and rough surfaces, the likelihood of slipping increases.
- Rushed Work and Shortcuts: Under tight deadlines, workers might rush and take shortcuts, neglecting to clear pathways or properly secure work areas. This haste can lead to more accidents, including slips.
- Lack of Training: Without adequate training on the importance of maintaining a clean and safe work environment, workers might not prioritize practices that prevent slips, such as proper cleaning and maintenance protocols.
Addressing these issues through comprehensive safety measures, regular training, and strict adherence to maintenance protocols can reduce the frequency of slips on construction sites, fostering a safer working environment for all involved.
Regular cleaning of work areas to remove spills and debris is crucial. Proper organization to help keep tools and materials stored away from walkways can also help maintain clear and safe paths. Additionally, using signage to warn of potential slip areas can alert workers to exercise caution, further mitigating the risk of accidents. These proactive steps are essential for maintaining a safer work environment on construction sites.
What are the Most Common Types of Crane Accidents?
Cranes must never be operated carelessly or left unsecured due to their inherent risks. The responsibility lies on owners and contractors to guarantee the safety of these colossal machines. This obligation encompasses regular inspections, providing guidance, maintaining equipment, and monitoring to minimize avoidable accidents.
The most common crane accidents are:
- Falls from cranes
- Faulty rigging
- Worker crushed by the crane’s counterweight
- Collapsed crane booms
- Dropped loads from cranes
- Cranes overturning
- Injuries caused by under-the-hook lifting devices
- Cranes coming into contact with surrounding energized power lines
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) approximates that around 225,000 cranes are actively employed across the nation every day. Over 250,000 individuals nationwide, including crane operators and workers on construction sites with crane usage, are exposed to the risk of crane-related injuries and fatal accidents.
The safety of workers and bystanders is jeopardized by various types of crane accidents. Nearly 45 percent of all crane mishaps, as reported by Northwestern Energy, are attributed to booms and cranes coming into contact with live power lines, which is the predominant cause of crane-associated fatalities. When cranes interact with live electrical wires, all metallic parts of the crane become electrically charged and hazardous. These incidents place the operator and nearby workers at a high risk of suffering severe and possibly fatal injuries from electric shock.
When a crane accident takes place, it is crucial to contact a NYC crane accident lawyer. The K L Sanchez Law Office is available to offer immediate assistance, ensuring the preservation of vital evidence, conducting interviews with witnesses, and meeting all necessary legal deadlines for your case. Arrange a consultation to maximize the chances of achieving a favorable outcome for your case.
The Scaffold Law
Here in New York, the courts have decided that liability under Labor Law § 240, otherwise known as the scaffold law, is absolute, meaning that the owners and contractors, even if they are not actually involved in the direct supervision or control of the work, can be held legally liable for any injuries or fatalities that result. In other states, injured parties or surviving families must prove negligence in order to prevail in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.
Getting Legal Assistance
But while our scaffold law does help many of our workers get critical help after a construction accident, the courts are very strict about what types of injury claims fall under it. Because the victim always has the burden of proof in these matters, it’s important to have experienced legal representation after a construction accident.
At K L Sanchez Law Office, our skilled construction accident attorneys are diligent in our representation of injured workers and their families. If you have been injured in a construction accident in New York City, contact us at (646) 701-7990 or through our website contact form to schedule a no-cost consultation to understand your rights and how we can help.
