Construction projects are dangerous for workers when safety regulations are not followed
On Tuesday, December 15, 2015 a construction worker was seriously injured when he was struck by falling construction material dropped by another worker, the New York Daily News reported. The accident occurred in a four-story building that was undergoing renovation at West 86th Street and West End Avenue in Manhattan. Officials reported that the worker was on the second floor when he was struck in the face by construction material that fell from above. The worker was taken via ambulance to Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital. The New York City Department of Buildings investigated and issued a violation for “failure to safeguard” and a partial stop-work order for scaffold usage.
When a building is undergoing any kind of construction or renovation, New York State requires that certain protections be put in place for the protection of all workers at the site. This is particularly true when an object falls from a height. The New York State Labor Law requires that “contractors and owners and their agents, in the erection, demolition, repairing, altering, painting, cleaning or pointing of a building or structure shall furnish or erect, or cause to be furnished or erected for the performance of such labor, scaffolding, hoists, stays, ladders, slings, hangers, blocks, pulleys, braces, irons, ropes, and other devices which shall be so constructed, placed and operated as to give proper protection to a person so employed.” These rules are in place to protect workers from falling from a height, such as when working on a scaffold or ladder, and also apply when any object or material falls from above an injures a worker. Proper safety devices must be in place to prevent falling objects from striking workers on the job site.
Accidents resulting in serious injuries happen on construction sites in New York virtually every day. This often occurs because the owners and contractors at the site do not follow the safety rules and regulations required by law. Examples are defective scaffolds, lack of personal safety equipment such as harnesses and helmets, debris on construction sites, improper and unsafe tools and equipment, and unsecured loads to name just a few. These laws were made to protect carpenters, ironworkers, laborers, electricians, plumbers, masons and every type of trade that works on a construction site. Violations of these laws are common and often result in disabling, permanent injuries. When the law is violated, the owner of the site and contractors responsible for the work may be held responsible. Therefore, it is very important that you know your rights.
If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury because of any accident that occurred on a construction or renovation project, you should consult our skilled and experienced construction accident attorneys. Our team of construction accident attorneys have been protecting the rights of workers who have been hurt on the job because the work site was not properly protected or safety regulations were not followed. We will evaluate your case, investigate the accident and prosecute and protect your rights to the fullest to ensure that the injured worker receives swift and appropriate compensation. Please contact O’Dwyer & Bernstien at 800 471-2402 for a free consultation right away.
