The most common types of construction accidents are:
- Building collapses
- Construction site trip-and-falls
- Crane accidents
- Accidents caused by defective or unsafe equipment
- Falls from scaffolds and other heights
- Failure to provide safety equipment
- Falls from Ladders
- Forklift accidents
- Fires
- Injury from falling objects
- Window washing accidents
FORTUNATELY, New York HAS THE STRICTEST SAFETY PROTECTIONS IN THE COUNTRY WHICH INCLUDE:
- New York State Labor Law §240(1) known as the “Scaffold Law” provides injured workers strict liability against the building and general contractors who fail to prevent falls and other injuries caused by working at elevated heights such as ladders, scaffolds, roof, retaining wall or any other elevated height.
- New York State Labor Law §241(6) protects injured workers when an owner or contractor violates specific portions of the NYS Industrial Code. Once a violation can be shown, the owner and/or contractor will be found liable.
- New York State Labor Law §200 requires all owners and contractors to make all construction sites under their control safe for workers. Any violation of this section that causes an injury can give a worker grounds to take action against the employer.
- In addition to New York State Law, owners, contractors, and employers must follow the national safety guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENT, IT IS IMPORTANT TO:
- Immediately report the accident to your supervisor and co-workers
- Obtain photographs of the accident site and what caused your injury
- Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Obtain medical treatment and be sure to indicate how your injury happened
- Do not complete an accident report BEFORE SPEAKING WITH YOUR LAWYER FIRST
- Do not give a statement BEFORE SPEAKING WITH YOUR LAWYER FIRST