Worker applying window molding

New York City has an amazing skyline, full of architectural marvels. And every attractive window that you see was installed by a glazier. Glaziers make our buildings look a lot more beautiful, especially from the inside.

Installing windows and other types of glass fixtures is an essential part of the construction process. Glaziers have a difficult job that requires tremendous effort and skill.

Being a glazier is demanding work, and it’s more dangerous on average than most of the construction trades. It’s crucial for employers to protect glaziers by taking sensible jobsite precautions and always adhering to OSHA safety standards.

What Construction Glaziers Do

Construction glaziers replace, repair, and install glass structures in commercial and residential buildings. During their apprenticeship, glaziers learn how to perform several tasks that are necessary for their trade, including:

  • Following blueprints
  • Removing glass
  • Measuring glass
  • Cutting glass to fit a specific size and shape
  • Making and installing sashes and moldings
  • Sealing joints with putty or weather seal

How Glass Enhances Buildings

Any part of a building that’s made of glass was installed by a glazier. Glass enhances esthetics, increases light, and reduces energy use. It’s resistant to weather and completely recyclable. And glass windows make people feel less restricted.

Glass plays a crucial role in the design and construction of modern buildings. You can find it in the following structures:

  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Storefronts
  • Skylights
  • Dividers
  • Display cases
  • Indoor paneling
  • Partitions
  • External Walls

Dangerous and Demanding Work

Working as a glazier on a NY construction site is very strenuous. And there are several ergonomic challenges, such as lifting large pieces of glass and holding it in position during installation.

Working conditions that lead to glazier injuries include:

  • Standing in awkward positions
  • Bending and reaching for objects
  • Exposure to dust and particles
  • Lifting, carrying, and holding heavy objects in place
  • Working under harsh weather conditions
  • The risk of falling from ladders and buildings
  • Exposure to solvents and other chemicals
  • Being hit by falling objects
  • Using drills, grinders, cutters, saws, and other power tools
  • Working in confined spaces

Frequent Glazier Injuries

Like all construction workers, glaziers carry out difficult assignments every day, and the risk of getting hurt is always present. Injuries frequently suffered by glaziers include:

  • Lacerations
  • Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
  • Respiratory problems
  • Eye injuries
  • Skin rashes
  • Internal injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Broken and dislocated bones

Keeping Glaziers Safe

Employers must follow all state and federal safety rules and do everything they can to keep construction sites free of hazards. It’s also important to provide the right safety training to employees and supervisors.

A comprehensive safety plan to protect glaziers and other construction workers includes:

  • Making sure everyone is using the right personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Mandatory procedures for reporting hazards
  • Checking all power tools regularly
  • Always having a well-stocked first aid kit nearby
  • Providing regular breaks to reduce fatigue

Were You Injured on the Job in New York?

If you suffer any type of accident on the job, seek medical attention right away. Then you’ll want to inform your supervisor about the incident and contact a NY glazier workers’ compensation attorney as soon as you can.

Our experienced New York construction lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP will pursue every avenue to recover compensation for your medical costs and other expenses caused by your injury.

Call (212) 986-7353 to schedule a FREE consultation today.