Safety is always a concern in construction work, but the specific challenges change over time with advances in technology, changes in regulations and industry standards, and other new developments.
As Safety + Health recently reported, a new survey provides insight into the challenges faced by the construction industry. Nearly one-third of surveyed construction professionals, representing a wide range of trades, stated that jobsite safety was a challenge in their workplaces.
Top safety concerns identified by the study
The common theme among many of the survey responses was that construction companies do not take safety seriously enough. A majority of respondents—51%—stated either that worker mental health is taken “not at all seriously” or only “somewhat seriously.” Nearly 40% of the respondents said that their organization did not take a proactive approach to safety compliance. And 54% of respondents said that workers in their organizations used personal protective equipment (PPE) inconsistently.
A report accompanying the survey results provided several recommendations for the construction industry. A key theme was communication and coordination: construction professionals must improve communication across construction teams and between subcontractors, ensure that workers are well-informed about safety practices, and carefully navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. Furthermore, there needs to be a change in the culture of the construction industry: “We do it this way because we’ve always done it this way” is never a good attitude, especially when it comes to safety.
The “Fatal Four” leading causes of death in the construction industry
According to OSHA, the four leading causes of fatal construction accidents are:
- Falls: Falls from height are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Whether workers are on scaffolding, using ladders, or working on or around an elevator shaft, all it takes is one misstep to turn deadly.
- Struck-By Accidents: “Struck-by” is a broad category that includes objects falling from height, swinging equipment such as cranes, and construction vehicle accidents.
- Caught-In and Caught-Between: These accidents may involve trench collapses or getting caught between two pieces of heavy equipment.
- Electrocution: Construction workers are often dangerously close to live wires or energized equipment.
The safety steps identified by the survey are key to avoiding all of these and other construction accidents. Proper use of appropriate personal protective equipment, such as harnesses, can mitigate the risk of falls from heights. Better communication regarding who is doing what and where reduces the risk that workers will be hit by vehicles or injured by energized equipment. And all of these safety practices can be improved with better training and a more safety-conscious attitude, from the top down.
Contact a New York City construction accident lawyer
Construction work can be dangerous, and injured workers have recourse under New York law. While you generally cannot sue your direct employer, if your injury was caused by another company working on the same job site—such as a general contractor, subcontractor, architect, or engineer—then you can file a third-party personal injury claim. These types of claims can cover costs not covered by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering. They also send a strong message that we take construction safety seriously here in New York.
You only get one shot at the compensation you need for all your injury-related costs. The right lawyer will make all the difference. Attorney Pat James Crispi and the team at Keogh Crispi, P.C. have a winning track record in high-stakes construction litigation, including a $4.5 million recovery for a carpenter/laborer whose foot was crushed by a falling object. Give us a call or contact us online for a free consultation.
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