Construction workers face hazards every day, and some of the most catastrophic are falls from height. Particularly in New York City, where construction sites often span many stories, all it takes is one mistake for a worker’s life to be changed forever.
Many falls on construction sites are caused by equipment malfunctions and failures. These types of accidents can be particularly devastating, causing severe and fatal injuries. Here’s what New York construction workers need to know.
How equipment failures lead to falls
A significant number of falls from heights occur when the piece of equipment a worker is standing on—such as a ladder, elevated platform, or scaffolding—falls or collapses. Even if the equipment doesn’t collapse entirely, unstable or uneven surfaces can cause workers to lose their balance and fall.
Other falls are caused by the failure of personal fall arrest systems (harnesses, connectors, and anchors), or by damaged guardrails or safety netting. No matter the cause, any fall from height has the potential to cause severe injuries, so it’s critical to take appropriate precautions.
Preventing falls and equipment malfunctions on construction sites
- All equipment used on a construction site, especially safety equipment, must be properly maintained and repaired or replaced when needed. Equipment also needs to be safely stored when not in use, both to minimize wear and tear and to avoid creating trip hazards.
- Just as importantly, equipment needs to be used properly. For instance, ladders need to be placed on level, stable surfaces to prevent collapse. Personal fall arrest systems need to be properly sized and rigged to limit free fall to six feet or less. And the right equipment needs to be used depending on the circumstances to ensure worker safety.
- Walking surfaces need to be properly maintained and regularly cleaned, especially at height. Slip or trip hazards are dangerous for anyone but are particularly likely to harm workers who are carrying materials that block their view of the ground.
- Edges need proper guardrails, and openings need to be properly covered to avoid fall risks.
- Workers need proper training and supervision to work safely at height. General contractors, foremen, and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that workers are following all safety precautions, using appropriate protective gear, and not cutting corners that can lead to a devastating accident.
Legal options for New York construction workers
If you were injured in a fall from height on a construction site, you may be able to file a civil claim for damages in addition to what you can get through workers’ compensation. New York Labor Law 240 holds site owners and general contractors accountable for gravity-related incidents on construction sites.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to take legal action against an architect, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or other third party. An experienced NYC construction accident attorney can investigate, identify your options, and vigorously represent you in all legal proceedings as you focus on healing and putting your life back together.
Contact Keogh Crispi, P.C. today
The legal team at Keogh Crispi, P.C. has extensive experience handling construction accident claims involving falls and equipment malfunctions. Our track record of results includes a $3.175 million recovery for a construction laborer who fell 25 feet due to his employer’s misuse of an extension ladder.
To see how we can help with your potential legal case, give us a call or contact us online for a free consultation.
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