Why Slip and Fall Accidents at Construction Sites Can Be the Most Dangerous
Uneven Surfaces, Clutter, and Lack of Safety Rails Are Common Fall Culprits at Work Sites
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death at construction sites. Tens of thousands of workers and pedestrians are injured in falls at worksites each year. New York City is almost constantly under construction resulting in a large number of slip, trip, and fall accidents.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a construction site, contact the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C. at (347) 231-5459 for a free consultation. Our attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of slip and fall victims. Get the personalized attention you need to get the results you deserve.
What Makes Construction Sites Prone to Slip and Fall Accidents?
Construction sites can have many obvious and latent hazards. Data collected by the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that the construction workers are the most at risk for falls from height. A person who falls from a higher level to a lower level is more likely to be seriously injured or killed due to the accident.
According to the most recent data available from the NSC, in 2016, there were over 24,700 injuries related to falls in the construction industry. Falls resulted in over 300 deaths that same year. As noted by the NSC, most slip and fall accidents are preventable, resulting from a lack of safety equipment, inadequate training, and poor supervision.
Are Falls at Construction Sites More Likely to Cause Serious Injury?
Falls to a lower level also referred to as falls from height, are more likely to cause serious injury or death. A fall of even a few feet can cause irreparable harm, including damage to the spinal cord, head, and neck. These catastrophic injuries can leave a victim unable to work or continue with their normal activities.
As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, a six-year study of fatal work-related falls to a lower level showed that they were substantially more likely to occur in the construction industry.
Sources of fatal falls to a lower level include:
- Ladders
- Roofs
- Stairs and steps
- Trees
- Scaffolding and staging
- Machinery
- Vehicles
What Laws Protect Workers in New York?
As it relates to slip and fall accidents at construction sites, Labor Law Section 241(6) and Labor Law Section 200 provide significant protections.
Labor Law Section 241(6) requires that workers employed at construction sites and those lawfully frequenting the area be provided “reasonable and adequate protection and safety.” This statute requires that a worksite be free from trip hazards and that workers be provided with adequate safety equipment.
Labor Law Section 200 imposes a “general duty to protect health and safety of employees.” Failure to adhere to safety regulations, such as providing fall protection, can result in liability. Construction sites can pose an unnecessarily high degree of risk unless proper protocols are followed at all times.
What Can I Recover If I Am Injured in a Trip and Fall at a Construction Site?
If you are injured in a construction accident, you may be able to recover damages related to:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- A Reduction in future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering in some cases
- A wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed
In order to get the maximum compensation available in your case, it is important to speak with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement. Trip and fall accidents can involve more than one liable party. Having your case reviewed by a lawyer can help ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
A work site accident may involve multiple defendants depending on the situation.
Common responsible parties for slip and fall accidents at construction sites may include:
- General contractions
- Property owners
- Employers
- Manufacturers
Protecting employees and visitors should be the highest priority at any work site. Too often, complacency at a job site has devastating results.
What Are the Most Frequently Cited Violations at Construction Sites?
Fall protection is regularly listed as the number one most frequently cited violation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This makes it unsurprising that falls are among the leading causes of injury and death in the industry. Failing to follow scaffolding requirements is another commonly cited standard, followed by failing to adhere to safety guidelines related to ladders.
Many construction site accidents should not occur. When employers fail to provide fall protection, serious injuries can happen. According to OSHA, many fall injuries occur because of a lack of guard rails or floor hole coverings. These simple fixes would save numerous lives each year.
What Do I Do If I Am Injured in a Trip and Fall Accident?
Active major construction continues throughout New York City. There are nearly 7,000 active permits with over 130,000 proposed dwelling units. Work sites stretch throughout the five boroughs affecting nearly every New Yorker.
Whether you are a construction worker or a pedestrian walking near a job site injured in a slip and fall accident, you might be entitled to compensation. The first thing you should do if you are injured is to seek emergency medical treatment; once you can, contact our office to discuss your case and determine your legal options.
Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
Slip, trips, and falls are common occurrences at construction sites. If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve compensation. Employers and property owners are required to provide a safe environment, failure to do so can result in liability. Contact The Law Office of Asaro & Associates at (347) 231-5459 to speak directly with a Bronx slip and fall lawyer. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and can meet you at your home or in the hospital where you are recovering. Let us help you when you need it most. Call today for a free consultation and to get your case started.
