When Falling Objects Cause Serious Injuries
New York City construction workers face many hazards on job sites, including heavy objects and large construction vehicles. It’s no wonder that “struck-by” accidents are the second-leading cause of occupational death among construction workers, surpassed only by falls. In 2020, for example, struck-by accidents caused 150 construction deaths and 14,000 nonfatal injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here’s what New York construction workers need to know about these types of construction accidents and how a lawyer can help if you've been injured.
Types of struck-by hazards
A struck-by hazard is any hazard that causes injury due to forcible contact between a worker’s body and an object or piece of equipment. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) divides struck-by hazards on construction sites into four categories:
- Struck-by flying object: any hazard that involves an object being thrown, hurled, or otherwise propelled across space. These hazards include pieces of material separating from tools or equipment, objects propelled by tools such as nail guns, and flying objects propelled by explosions.
- Struck-by falling object: a hazard that falls from an elevation to a lower level, other than collapsing material or structures. These types of incidents are quite common in New York City, where construction projects frequently span multiple stories.
- Struck-by swinging object: an object is mechanically lifted and then swings, twists, or turns, striking workers. These incidents are particularly common on construction sites where cranes are used, especially in windy conditions.
- Struck-by rolling object: an object is rolling, moving, or sliding on the same level as the worker. This includes incidents where a worker is struck or run over by a construction vehicle, as well as sliding objects or equipment.
How struck-by injuries can be prevented
- Training and communication on job sites: often, struck-by incidents are the result of poor communication between workers who are using dangerous equipment. Proper training, communication, and coordination on the site can ensure that workers are outside the danger zone when equipment is moving or being hoisted.
- Properly maintaining vehicles and equipment: well-maintained equipment is less likely to veer out of control or accidentally propel an object in the direction of a worker’s body.
- Properly tethering tools and equipment: tethering potentially dangerous items reduces the risk that they will be propelled through the air or allowed to fall from a height and injure a worker.
- Not leaving tools unattended on elevated surfaces: all tools and materials used at height should be properly stored and secured when not in use to avoid the risk of a struck-by falling object incident.
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment: hard hats, goggles, and other protective gear can reduce the risk of serious injury in the event that a falling, flying, rolling, or swinging object strikes a worker’s body. Furthermore, high-visibility clothing can reduce the risk of a collision.
What to do if you’ve been injured on a New York construction site
If you’ve been hurt in a struck-by accident, you need to take a few steps right away. Report the incident to your foreman or supervisor. Get medical attention immediately to protect your health and document your injuries. Talk to an experienced construction accident attorney who can protect your legal rights.
Keogh Crispi, P.C. has an extensive track record of results in high-stakes construction accident litigation, including a $4.5 million recovery for a carpenter/laborer who was struck by a rolling object.
To find out how an experienced New York City construction accident lawyer can help with your potential legal case, give us a call or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
"Very great experience; I was spoken to like a human being and treated as one. Very grateful for Mr. Crispi’s professionalism and correspondence. Highly recommend to anyone needing his service."
- Daniel T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐