Masonry is a very important trade, not only for the construction industry, but for everyone who lives in America. This trade involves building structures using bricks or concrete blocks and mortar. Expert masons have the skills to lay them perfectly for a quality finished product. Masonry is essential because it is necessary to build the structures we live and work in today. Masonry construction has several important advantages for building owners:
- Concrete blocks are fire resistant and make stronger buildings.
- Masonry creates stronger adhesion between units and sturdier buildings.
- Masonry constructed buildings are more weatherproof. They are able to stand up to heavy rain, high winds, and extreme temperatures.
What Can Go Wrong that Causes Masons to Suffer Injuries?
Because of the nature of their work, masons are particularly susceptible to construction accident injuries. Hazards they face on a daily basis include:
- Falling heavy objects
- Slip or trip and falls
- Collapse or cave-in of excavations and walls
- Sharp or protruding objects, such as planks with nails
- Lifting, carrying, and moving heavy objects
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Exposure to dust
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Electrical shock
How Can Masons Protect Themselves on Worksites?
Masonry is among the riskiest trades in the construction industry. Masons can reduce their risk of injury with the following safety tips:
- Wear safety shoes with anti-skid soles.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety helmets and goggles.
- Use mechanical lifting equipment and avoid manual lifting of heavy loads. When you lift, always do it safely, and get help with large or heavy objects.
- Inspect portable electric tools for safety. Do not use any tools that are defective.
- Check work surfaces, passageways, and floors to make sure they are clear of debris, free wires, protruding nails, and other hazards.
- Use respiratory protection equipment, such as masks or respirators, compatible with the specific air pollutant in your work environment.
- Minimize contact with harmful materials. Use products to protect your skin and wash your hands thoroughly at the end of each shift. Use coated cotton gloves, when necessary.
What Can You Do if You Are Injured on the Job as a Mason in NYC?
The first thing to do is to get medical treatment for your injuries. If you are covered by workers’ compensation, you should be entitled to benefits, regardless of how the accident occurred or who caused it. Workers’ comp will pay for your medical expenses related to the injury and reimburse you for a portion of your lost wages. If you were partially or totally disabled by the accident, it will provide disability benefits.
It is a good idea to speak with an experienced New York construction accident attorney if you have suffered serious injuries as a mason. If a third party (other than your employer) caused or contributed to your accident and injuries, you may have a claim for compensation against that party. In a third-party claim in civil court, you are entitled to seek compensation for losses that are not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering, loss of future earning potential, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How Can a New York Work Injury Lawyer Help?
Our New York mason workers’ comp attorneys can investigate your accident to determine what caused it and who is liable. Our legal team can collect evidence to support your claim and build a strong case based on the facts. We have the knowledge and experience to assess the full extent of your losses – past present and future. We can negotiate skillfully on your behalf for the compensation you deserve and fight for your rights in trial if necessary.
Call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP today at (212) 986-7353 to schedule a free consultation.