Worksite Dangers Unique to Demolition Workers
Construction is an inherently dangerous industry, and demolition is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction. Destroying existing structures can be a treacherous activity. Nevertheless, many demolition accidents could be avoided if employers planned ahead to protect their employees, provided proper safety equipment, and trained workers on its use.
The Laws Surrounding Hand-Propelled Vehicle Safety on NY Worksites
There are several laws and regulations in place in New York State that govern the safety of hand-propelled vehicles on worksites. These laws are designed to protect workers from injuries that can occur while using these vehicles and ensure that employers provide a safe and healthy work environment.
Some of the critical provisions of these laws include requirements for training workers who will be using hand-propelled vehicles and for maintaining these vehicles. Employers are also required to provide workers with information about the risks associated with using these vehicles and taking steps to mitigate these risks.
Scaffold Safety Law: The Battle of New York
In recent years there has been a great deal of debate over the importance of the Scaffold Safety Law. There are advocates on both sides, and arguments about money and insurance, about how to keep New York’s construction industry booming, and how to keep workers safe. Wading through all of the arguments can be overwhelming, which makes apathy toward the issue an easy response.
Ultimately, we believe in whatever keeps workers safe and holds employers responsible for safe worksite conditions.
Defective Safety Belts Could Have Caused Your Fall
Construction workers are at a high risk of death due to falls from heights. In fact, data from the US Bureau of Statistics shows that 33.5% of construction worker deaths occur due to falls. Construction companies must take measures to protect their workers from falls, and workers must be aware of the dangers of working at heights. However, some construction companies do not take responsibility for the safety of their workers.
The Most Common Workplace Welding Injuries
Welding injuries are pretty common in the workplace and can be severe. The most common type of welding injury is a burn, which can be caused by the heat of the welding torch or the hot metal. Welding burns can be excruciating and sometimes require healing skin grafts. Another common welding injury is an eye injury caused by the bright light of the welding torch or flying sparks. Eye injuries can be severe and can sometimes result in blindness.
What Do I Do When a Coworker Causes My Injury?
If a coworker caused your injury, you may be concerned about your right to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation program is a “no-fault” system. If you are injured on the job in New York City, you have the right to benefits, but sacrifice your right to file a lawsuit, unless the employer has committed acts of gross negligence. If a coworker’s actions led to a serious injury while performing tasks at work, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits.
How Improper Training Leads to Construction Worker Injuries
Construction workers are often seasoned professionals, familiar with OSHA and NYC Department of Buildings safety regulations – or could be new to the trade. With the endless construction projects in NYC, workers come from other states or countries, and must be trained in the proper methods and procedures to avoid accidents and injuries.
While construction accidents are frighteningly common in the city, most serious injuries and deaths could have been prevented had workers been thoroughly trained on the proper use of equipment and how to work safely around the many hazards on the site.
Filing Lawsuits for NY Building Code or Safety Violations
Property owners and developers are required to adhere to the safety regulations when building or improving property. These regulations are imposed by OSHA and under the NY Building Code.The commonly violated OSHA regulations reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, which could lead to a lawsuit brought by an injured worker include:
- Fall protection violations
- Respiratory protection violations
- Hazardous chemical violations
- Scaffolding violations
- Ladder violations
- Control of hazardous energy violations
- Training requirement for fall protection
- Eye and Face protection violations
- Machinery and machine guarding violations
How Employers Try to Avoid Scaffolding Rules (Labor Law 240)
New York has some of the most extensive scaffolding safety laws. Labor Law 240 was enacted in 1885, a period when state legislators had deep concerns about the safety of workers performing jobs at high elevations. During that era, there were many fatal worker falls – and in New York, these falls continue to plague the industry.
Safety Precautions for Bricklayers
Bricklayers have a specialized art, with their work enhancing buildings of all types. This job involves inherent risks, and bricklayers and masons are likely to suffer injuries and illnesses directly related to the work they perform. It is necessary to ensure that all safety precautions are in place on any worksite to reduce the risk of a serious or fatal accident.