- March 1, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Construction Accident
Construction work is omnipresent throughout New York City. Stand at almost any intersection and you can probably see construction workers in at least one direction. Unsurprisingly, with all this construction going on, worker injuries are also relatively common. But what causes these injuries, and are construction workers often injured due to poor safety practices? Unfortunately, the evidence suggests they are.
The following is what you should know about these facts if you are a construction worker or a construction company.
Construction Workers Often Injured Due to Poor Safety Practices
No One Benefits From a Construction Accident
Most construction accidents are preventable. The reason they usually happen is because someone cut corners, typically to save either time or money. However, when an accident occurs, neither time nor money is saved. A serious accident shuts down construction for part of the day, if not longer, negating any savings. These injuries are also costly. An injured worker can usually claim workers’ compensation, costing the insurance company money and possibly resulting in increased insurance rates for the employer.
Even worse, companies which do not enforce safety practices could be found liable for the accident, leading to a personal injury claim, which costs the employer (and their insurance company) even more money.
Good Safety Practices Are Everyone’s Responsibility
Understanding the Problem and the Difficulties in the Solution
Poor safety practices can arise at any level. The construction company can fail to properly train employees or provide insufficient protective equipment. A manager on the construction site might fail to enforce safety protocols and even encourage workers to violate them to speed up the work. Finally, workers might simply ignore safety practices because they are monotonous or tiring. Regardless of who is at fault, the results are the same, and no one wants a worker to be seriously hurt or killed in a construction accident.
The solution to this safety crisis is simple. Employers and workers must commit to safety to prevent construction accidents.
By focusing on safety, workers and employers alike can minimize accidents on construction sites.
Why do workers and employers find it so difficult to commit to safety? For employers, the answer is obvious. Safety costs money, and construction companies want to make as much money as possible. If ignoring safety doesn’t result in an accident, the company saves money.
However, that doesn’t explain why workers themselves often don’t commit to safety. Usually, they don’t commit because of psychosocial factors. If a worker feels stressed or dissatisfied with their job, they are likely to ignore safety practices, even at the risk of injury. Employers should be aware of this potential and pay attention to these psychosocial factors and what they can do to improve them.
Were you seriously injured in a construction accident due to poor on-site safety practices? You may be eligible for compensation for the injuries and pain you suffered. Contact Tucker Lawyers at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free consultation.
How to Make the Worksite Safer
Whether you employ construction workers or are a worker, you can take steps to make the worksite safer. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified four hazards that represent the majority of construction accidents. By being aware of these hazards and taking extra precautions when they are present, you can minimize injuries to yourself and those around you.
Falls
Hundreds of workers die in construction site falls every year. OSHA requires protective equipment for falls of as little as four feet because, even at that height, a fall can be deadly. Common causes of falls are:
- Uncovered holes
- Spills or debris near a ledge
- Unstable scaffolding
- A lack of handrails.
Anytime people are working near a height, they should be properly harnessed, preferably with another worker monitoring them.
Struck-By Accidents
This type of injury typically occurs when a worker is hit by a flying object. You could be struck by a brick falling off a ledge or a nail fired from a nail gun. Many struck-by accidents can be prevented just by carefully securing all construction equipment. This includes securing the equipment before, during, and after use.
Getting struck by power tools or moving vehicles is also a significant threat. The main way to avoid these injuries is to ensure that all such tools and vehicles have working warning systems and to teach workers to be extra alert around them.
Electrocution Injuries
Unless your job requires you to work with power lines, you should stay as far away from them as possible. Employers can also help prevent electrocution injuries by training employees to identify energized sources and maintain their distance.
Caught In-Between Injuries
These injuries occur when a worker (or part of their body) is caught between two heavy objects. Heavy machinery and trench work are the main examples, but these injuries can occur anytime workers are in tight spaces. Constant supervision is one of the best ways to prevent these injuries or at least minimize the consequences if they occur. Workers should demand to work with partners, and employers should enforce supervision.
Contact Tucker Lawyers Immediately After a Construction Accident
Construction accidents are rarely “just an accident.” Poor attention to safety practices is often the cause.
If you were hurt because another party ignored proper safety practices, you may be eligible to get compensation for your injuries. Contact our law firm at (516) 399-2364 to discuss your legal options with a personal injury lawyer.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]