How to Prevent Construction Accidents in New York City
Construction sites are a ubiquitous sight throughout the five boroughs of New York City. NYC is under constant change, with new buildings going up, old buildings coming down, historic buildings being remodeled, and roads created or improved. Because there is so much construction at any given time in NYC, construction accidents are common. In this guide, we will provide tips on how to prevent construction accidents from an experienced construction attorney in the state of New York.
Each year, thousands of construction workers and innocent bystanders are injured on or around construction sites. On average, nearly 20 construction workers die each year. Knowing how to prevent construction accidents can protect against these tragic losses. Here’s how.
Construction-Related Injuries and Deaths: Common Causes
Construction can take many forms on NYC streets. A construction site may be simple, with only basic equipment and personnel present. Other construction sites are sprawling and utilize heavy machinery, cranes, and hundreds of workers. Common sources of construction accident injuries include:
- Slip and fall hazards
- Crushing injuries such as workers being pinned by machinery
- Falling hazards from overhead objects or equipment
- Overuse injuries
- Vehicle crashes
- Equipment malfunctions
In nearly every case, severe injuries or deaths can be avoided. Construction workers are entitled to safe workplaces; in NYC, construction site managers are responsible for identifying and eliminating common hazards to protect workers and passersby from injury. Unfortunately, neglect or negligence often results in worker injury or even death.
Top 4 Ways to Prevent Construction Accidents
With the high potential of a serious or fatal construction accident in NYC, how can these incidents be prevented? There are four best practices that must be implemented:
Identifying and removing common hazards before they can cause injury.
Common hazards include loose surfaces or slippery work areas, debris, dangling wires or cables, overhead objects, and confined workspaces. By locating and removing hazards, construction accident rates plummet.
Ensuring access to and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Construction workers should be equipped with PPE, which may include hardhats, gloves, crush- and slip-resistant footwear, protective coveralls, and respirators. Construction managers must be sure workers have adequate protection available and that workers don this protection before conducting work.
Eliminating fire and electricity hazards.
Construction sites often contain power lines, electrical junctions, and flammable materials. Turning off power to certain portions of the site can prevent shock hazards for workers. Overhead power lines should be marked or relocated to prevent machinery from contacting them. Finally, clearing flammable or explosive materials away from work areas can prevent burns and property damage resulting from fires.
Implementing safety-oriented workplace cultures.
Construction site managers and property owners have an obligation to provide safe workplaces for their employees. One of the best ways to prevent workplace injuries is to provide workers with safety-oriented training and practices. Training should be ongoing and conducted whenever new equipment or procedures are added to the site. New employees must also receive training on safe workplace practices before reporting for duty. A safety-oriented workplace has been shown to reduce injuries and the expenses associated with injury claims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, the Law Office of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas can help. We have worked with injury victims and their families throughout New York City, and our talented attorneys fight to help you recover financial compensation for your injuries. Call today by dialing (833) 689-3476 for a free consultation.