Construction Site AccidentA construction worker was injured after falling 40 feet to the ground at a Manhattan development site. According to a report in The Real Deal, the construction accident occurred at the Manhattan West development site on the Far West Side. Officials say the man fell off one of the buildings at the project site and was seriously injured. A bucket crane was needed to rescue him. It’s unclear how the accident happened or how it could have been prevented.

Fall-related accidents are one of the most common causes of serious and fatal injuries among construction workers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls accounted for 302 of the 828 total deaths in construction in the year 2013.

Many falls that occur on construction sites could have been prevented had the supervisor, property owner or manager followed safety regulations and provided proper gear and training. OSHA has reported on numerous occasions that falls can be prevented through planning, providing the right equipment and training including:

  • Plan ahead. Employers must plan ahead to determine how each task can be performed safely.
  • Provide the right equipment. Any time a worker is six feet off the ground, there is the risk for serious injury or death. Employers must provide these workers fall protection. They also must ensure that workers are using the right kind of equipment for the job.
  • Provide proper training. It’s dangerous to assume that workers understand every proper set-up and safe use of equipment. Employers must properly train workers in hazard recognition and how to safely use equipment. 

When a worker suffers a serious injury in a New York construction accident, they can get financial support for their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages through workers’ compensation insurance. A New York construction accident attorney can review your case and help determine the best way for you to receive payment for your pain and suffering. Contact the attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP to discuss your situation. We can be reached at (212) 986-7353.

Posted in: Work Injury