Construction sites are peppered with hazards, which is why this is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, construction workers accounted for at least 20.5 percent of job-related deaths in 2014.
Although there are countless ways to sustain injuries on a worksite, these hazards have earned a reputation as the industry’s “Fatal Four:”
- Caught-in-Between Accidents;
- Falls;
- Struck-by-Object Accidents;
- And electrocution.
If you were injured on the job, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. A personal-injury attorney in New York City can gather evidence, structure your claim, and help you pursue the maximum compensation. If your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to find success in court.
We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit workers-compensation.usattorneys.com/new-york/ to learn more about work-related injury claims in New York.
Read on for a brief overview of the construction industry’s “Fatal Four:”
- Caught-in-Between Accidents
There is a multitude of ways to become trapped or crushed on a worksite. Malfunctioning equipment, operator errors, and collapsed tunnels can all be deadly. Supervisors may be able to prevent these injuries by:
- Making sure machinery operators are properly trained;
- Teaching all employees proper safety protocols;
- Maintaining machinery;
- And zoning off dangerous areas.
- Falls
Many construction projects involve working at dizzying heights – especially in New York City. Falls are responsible for a significant number of worksite deaths. Common culprits include unprotected manholes, unsteady ladders, gaping floors, and flimsy scaffolding.
Any worker who is laboring above 6 feet must have a fall arrest system to protect him or her. This may include a guardrail, a harness, or even a safety net. All manholes and floor holes must have covers that are strong enough to support twice the weight of workers, equipment, and material combined.
- Struck-by-Object Accidents
Projectiles and dropped objects are common on construction sites. Falling tools, explosions, and other mishaps can cause severe head wounds, brain injuries, and penetration
Although workers are required to wear hardhats, these are not always sufficient for preventing injuries. Some victims suffer lifelong physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Electrocution
Exposed wires, live electricity, flammable chemicals, and other potential explosions litter construction sites – particularly during initial pipe laying and building phases. Companies must train all of their workers – even those who do not interact with electrical wiring – how to avoid these injuries. They also must provide the necessary safety equipment such as proper gloves, facemasks, and goggles.
If you were injured while working on a construction site, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. A New York City accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process
Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience negotiating and litigating personal-injury claims in New York. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation.