The construction industry in New York is notorious for having hazardous workplace conditions, with employees facing a high risk of injuries and even death. Every year, countless accidents take place in such construction sites, injuring thousands of workers. Unfortunately, most of these accidents are avoidable and only occur due to negligence and safety violations.
Surprisingly, there are various laws for employee safety in the workplace. For example, New York’s Labor Laws, particularly Sections 200, 240, and 241, require employers to ensure safe working conditions and provide proper protective equipment for their employees. However, not everyone adheres to them, usually out of ignorance or to cut costs.
The mere negligence on the employer’s part can take an employee’s life or permanently disable them. If you or your loved one has suffered an injury due to a construction safety violation, you must be devastated. An attorney from the Kelner & Kelner law firm can help you get the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Top safety violations that lead to construction accidents.
- Fall protection.
Inadequate fall protection is one of the leading causes of accidents at construction sites in New York. Workers at construction sites work at great heights. If there are no proper safety measures in place, such as guardrails and personal fall arrest systems, workers are at greater risk of falling and sustaining injuries.
- Scaffold safety.
Scaffolding issues are another common problem at construction sites. Poorly constructed scaffolds can often lead to accidents, especially when they are not properly maintained or guardrails are not installed. It can lead to serious accidents, and the worker can suffer severe injuries, including fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
- Hazard communication.
Many hazardous chemicals are found on construction sites. Failing to label such chemicals or provide a safety data sheet can put the workers at risk of getting burn injuries and respiratory problems. Therefore, proper training and effective communication regarding hazardous substances is very important.
- Electrical safety.
Many workplace accidents happen due to electrical hazards. In many cases, exposed wiring, incomplete grounding, and improper use of electrical equipment can lead to severe electrical shocks. Ensuring proper safety protocols can reduce the chances of electric-related accidents at construction sites.
- Personal protective equipment.
Workers at construction sites are greatly advised to wear personal protective equipment due to exposure to toxic substances. Failure to provide safety equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and glasses, can expose workers to hazardous substances. Without any protective equipment, workers can sustain injuries from falling objects and chemical exposures.
- Safety training.
Another safety violation on construction sites is inadequate safety training. Workers who lack safety training are at great risk of accidents and injuries. Therefore, proper safety training is crucial to minimize the chances of error and promote a safe workplace environment.
- Ladder safety.
Workers can fall from ladders and sustain injuries if they use the wrong type of ladder for a specific task or when the ladders are not properly secured. Therefore, proper training regarding ladder use can significantly reduce the risks of fall accidents in the workplace.
- Equipment hazard.
Construction sites contain heavy machinery and equipment, which can be a source of danger. Leaving the machinery parts uncovered can also lead to accidents. Workers must be trained to handle machinery and equipment correctly to mitigate the risks of accidents.
- Trenching and excavation safety.
Workers can sustain injuries due to collapsing trench, falling loads, and bad atmosphere. Therefore, inspecting the construction site thoroughly and following the safety protocols is important to keep the workers and workplace safe.
- Fire hazards.
Lastly, fire hazards are often overlooked at construction sites. Common violations include improper storage of flammable materials, lack of fire extinguishers, and inadequate fire safety training. Ensuring proper storage of inflammable substances and fire safety training is crucial to keep workers safe.
Get legal help today!
If you have suffered injuries at the construction site due to your employer’s negligence, talk to a personal injury attorney to get justice today!
