An unsafe workplace can result in severe injury or death
The most common violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for the 12th year in a row was OSHA’s construction industry fall protection standard, according to EHS Daily Advisor.
“Despite advancements in workplace safety, we continue to see the same types of violations each year,” National Safety Council (NSC) President and CEO Lorraine Martin said in a statement published by EHS Daily Advisor. “It’s more important than ever employers seek education and resources to keep their workers safe.”
This news comes as no surprise to the legal team at Keogh Crispi, P.C., in Manhattan. Our law firm has handled many injury claims and lawsuits involving falls at construction sites in New York. If you were injured while on the job, contact us today to see how a New York construction accident attorney can help you.
What is OSHA’s fall protection in construction rule?
OSHA has strict rules designed to prevent construction accidents involving workers falling and injuring themselves (or worse). Such federal rules are very detailed. OSHA even created a 48-page-long manual and web page explaining OSHA’s fall protection regulations, which include:
- Placing covers over any holes in the floor to prevent construction workers from accidentally falling into the hole.
- Installing guard rails around every elevated platform or runway.
- Guard rails should be installed near potentially dangerous machines, such as conveyor belts or vats of acid.
- Requiring employers to provide construction workers with safety harnesses, safety nets, and other protective equipment designed to prevent fall-related injuries on construction sites.
What are common OSHA fall protection violations?
As we mentioned above, the most common OSHA violation of any kind last fiscal year (which ended September 30, 2022) involved Fall Protection General Requirements (29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §1926.501). Overall, there were 5,260 such OSHA violations last fiscal year nationwide.
In general, this OSHA rule requires construction companies or other companies doing business at a construction site to have certain fall protections in place. Such violations can cover a wide range, including:
- Not installing OSHA-mandated guard rails.
- Not keeping floors or work areas clean and free of hazardous conditions.
- Not providing construction workers with mandatory safety training.
- Not providing construction workers with mandatory safety equipment.
What should I do if I’m injured in a fall at a construction site?
If you sustain an injury in a fall at a construction site in New York, you need to act fast to protect your health and rights. Such steps often include the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Many construction fall injuries can be serious, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, concussions, and other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). If necessary, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or urgent care center right away.
- If a co-worker or anyone else saw your construction accident, note who they are, especially if they don’t work for your company. Make sure you get their name and phone number. That way, investigators can interview eyewitnesses who saw your accident.
- If a hazardous object or dangerous working conditions caused your fall, take a photo or ask someone you trust to photograph it right away. That way, you’ll have proof of what contributed to your accident.
- Tell your supervisor you got hurt in an accident at work. If you’re not sure how to do this or have any concerns, talk to a lawyer. A good attorney can explain the process and help you find your way forward.
- Call a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible to review your potential legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, but getting it might not be easy without experienced legal representation on your side.
Why should I hire a construction accident attorney?
You might think you don’t need a lawyer to make a financial recovery if you were injured from a fall while working at a construction site in New York. However, you would be amazed at how complicated a lot of seemingly straightforward construction accident claims turn out to be.
This is why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side, looking out for your best interests and taking steps to maximize your compensation. At Keogh Crispi, P.C., our legal team knows how the civil justice system works when it comes to injuries sustained from falls at construction sites. That’s because we have successfully handled many of these cases in New York.
For example, in one specific case, we recovered $3.175 million for a construction laborer injured after falling 22 feet to the ground while on the job.
Discover what we can do for you. Contact us and schedule a free consultation to learn how a New York construction accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you are entitled to under New York law. Our office is conveniently located in Manhattan, and we look forward to speaking with you about your potential legal case.