Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. | November 23, 2022 | Construction Accidents
Construction work has many components. From zoning and scheduling to completing the project, numerous complex parts make up the process. Unfortunately, the nature of the business is such that construction workers are particularly vulnerable to injury.
Given that there’s an above-average degree of danger involved, construction-related accidents can be fatal. If you are in the industry or thinking about joining, it’s important to understand the risks involved so that you can make an informed decision regarding your personal health and safety.
What the Statistics Say
A study conducted by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) concluded that construction in New York City and New York State is the deadliest profession in the United States.
NYCOSH also analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OSHA, and the New York Department of Buildings to determine that construction-related workplace deaths made up 24% of the annual fatalities in New York. The number is 21% nationwide.
The injury statistics aren’t much better. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that there are 150,000 injuries on construction sites each year, and the data shows that this number remains constant, despite assumptions that safety technology and methodology are advancing.
Primary Causes of Death
The primary causes of fatalities on construction sites include:
- Falls
- Electrocutions
- Impact with an object
- Getting caught in machinery
- Trench and excavation collapses
Despite enhanced safety standards and strict regulations, these accidents remain prevalent and affect thousands of individuals across the country.
How to Stay Safe
Awareness is the first step to staying safe on a construction site. Maintaining vigilance and knowing your limits will help you determine whether you’re putting yourself at risk or if someone else is at risk.
Second, understand that you have a legal right to safety. If someone is continually pressuring you to engage in unsafe behavior, legal action may be necessary. Remember, it only takes one accident to change your life forever.
If You Are Injured
If you get injured on the job, it’s important to know your rights and avenues for legal recourse. Fortunately, there’s an established protocol for holding those in power accountable.
Report the Injury to Your Supervisor
If you are injured, immediately report your injury to your supervisor. Depending on the severity, your supervisor may call a medical professional to the site. Either way, this will establish a record of your injury and show that you attempted to inform the people responsible for your safety.
Take Photos
Make sure that you take photos of your injury and any machinery or conditions that may have led to the injury. This will establish a material record of your injury and workplace conditions.
Establish Whether Anyone Witnessed the Accident
Anyone who saw you get injured will be a witness. Make sure that you have their contact information in case you need to speak with them in the future.
File Workers’ Compensation
Filling out a workers’ compensation form is straightforward. After you have everything filled out, make a copy for your records, then submit the original to your supervisor.
Document Everything
Much like a car accident, you should write down everything you can remember about the accident. Additionally, document your injuries. Some construction-related injuries are not immediately apparent, so keeping a detailed record could add leverage to your claim.
Partner with an Attorney if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident
After everything has been submitted, it’s a good idea to reach out to an attorney who specializes in construction accidents. A qualified New York City attorney can examine the facts and advocate on your behalf.
Contact Our Construction Accident Law Firm in New York City
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City construction accident lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.
Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.
100 Wall St 15th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007