Why Construction Workers Are Reluctant to Report Hazards and Injuries
Construction workers are in a difficult position when it comes to reporting an employer who has unsafe working conditions. The construction worker may be fearful of retaliation, losing employment, or be subject to peer pressure to keep quiet. Construction sites are dangerous at the best of times; when an employer is cutting corners and putting workers at risk, the dangers can be extreme. Failing to install all required barriers, provide safety equipment and tools in good working order, and ensure every worker on the site is protected as required by law can save money – but result in lost lives.
Wheelbarrow, Hand Truck, and Other Hand-Propelled Vehicle Injuries
Wheelbarrows, hand trucks, and four-wheel dollies are used on construction sites and for other jobs.
- A wheelbarrow is a small cart with two supporting legs, two handles at the rear, and a single wheel at the front. It is used for carrying loads in construction and other industries.
- A hand truck is a two-wheeled cart with long handles, used for moving heavy objects by hand. It consists of a vertical framework with a metal blade at the bottom and handles at the top.
- A four-wheel dolly is a platform with two axles and four wheels. It is used to transport heavy items from one location to another. Dollies are available in varied sizes and designs.
OSHA’s 6-Foot Rule: Mandatory Protection
The “6-foot” rule is a general rule of thumb in the construction industry. Basically, it requires that fall protection be provided when work occurs at heights of six feet or greater above a lower level. It has been commonly perceived that fall protection requirements begin when workers are within six feet of an unprotected edge, and some OSHA inspectors have followed this as an accepted standard. In April 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission issued a decision in a case that relates to this standard.
What Are “Caught-in-Between” Accidents?
Caught-in-between accidents happen most frequently on construction sites. The term “caught-in-between” is used broadly by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to describe a category of injuries that involve being crushed under, between, or inside heavy machinery or objects.
What Benefits Do Loved Ones Receive After Construction Accidents?
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries for workers. When a construction accident results in death, it can cause tremendous pain and financial hardship for family members left behind. Surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits under workers’ compensation. If the actions of a negligent party contributed to a loved one’s death, survivors may also be entitled to file a wrongful death claim for damages.
How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney for Construction Site Accidents
Choosing a lawyer to represent you may be the most crucial decision you make in your construction accident case. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have a skilled and dedicated legal advocate by your side. Before you begin your search, it is important to know what to look for in a New York personal injury attorney or law firm.
The Deadliest Jobs in America
A total of 4,764 fatal work injuries were recorded in the U.S. in 2020, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Workplace accidents can happen in any industry, but some jobs are more dangerous than others. Transportation and jobs involving heavy equipment rank among the deadliest in America.
The Dangers of a Roofing Accident
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists falls among the top dangers for construction workers. When falls happen from significant heights, like rooftops, serious injuries can occur. Rooftop falls can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from inadequate scaffolding to just plain negligence. New York offers injured workers a range of options for seeking compensation. If you or a loved one suffered a rooftop accident while on the job, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Alternatively, you can pursue damages through an injury claim or lawsuit.
Important Safety Procedures for Falling Objects
Rain, hail, and snow should be the only answer to the question “Is the sky falling?” But construction materials, tools, and equipment? They should stay on the ground, attached to workers’ belts, or away from high drops. A single falling object can severely injure a construction worker, even if he or she is wearing a hard hat. Yet these accidents can be prevented when employers utilize proper safety measures.
Never Settle for Less After a Construction Accident
Negligence at a job site should never be accepted, whether it is failing to correctly secure scaffolding, a reckless excavation, or not providing workers with mandatory safety equipment. Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and workers should always feel safe knowing that their employers, other workers, and other parties are not putting them in danger. Unfortunately, construction accidents are commonplace throughout New York, and a single accident can change a worker’s life. While workers’ compensation is mandatory in our state and an important source of compensation, victims should consider working with a dedicated attorney who will fight to get them the highest possible award.