Why Winter Construction Zones Are So Dangerous
Winter Weather Can Bring an Added Hazard to Construction Sites
A New York winter can bring bitter cold, rain, and snow, adding several potential dangers to the city’s construction zones. Employers have a duty to ensure that workers and the public are protected from hazardous conditions. Winterizing buildings and construction sites are crucial to preventing injuries. The failure to keep a work area safe during the winter can result in liability.
The attorneys at The Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C. share more than 50 years of experience helping injury victims obtain compensation. Each client receives the individualized, personal care they need to ensure they get the financial justice they deserve. If you have been injured in a construction zone accident, contact our office for a free consultation.
Winter-Related Hazards at Construction Zones
During the winter, poorly maintained construction sites put workers and the public at a heightened risk for injury or death. Multiple regulatory agencies require that properties and construction zones are adequately winterized to ensure everyone’s safety.
In New York City, buildings and construction zones must conform to regulations established by the following codes:
- New York City Administrative Code
- New York City Building Code
- New York City Fire Code
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Winterizing construction sites under these codes is critical to avoid injuries and death. If you were injured at a construction zone, contact our office to speak directly to an attorney. Depending on the situation, you might be entitled to recovery for your damages.
Fire Dangers at Construction Sites During Winter
All locations undergoing construction, alteration, or demolition must adhere to the New York City Fire Code. Fire safety measures are critical at construction zones, particularly during the brutal cold of winter.
Some fire code violations include:
- The use and storage of portable or temporary heating devices
- The storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids and gasses
- Ensuring that materials are not stored near flames
- Providing adequate access for emergency responders
Frozen Pipes
New York weather conditions can decline quickly during the winter months. Snowstorms, freezing rain, and temperatures well below freezing are not abnormal for this time of year. At construction sites, exposed pipes that are not properly insulated can freeze. Frozen pipes can burst, doing irreparable damage and causing injury to workers.
The city requires that pipes and sprinklers are protected from freezing. They should be tested regularly to ensure that they will withstand winter temperatures. One of the greatest threats comes from the attempt to thaw a frozen pipe with a live flame. Improper thawing can lead to a fire or steam explosion. Tragically, many of these construction accidents are preventable.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Conditions at Construction Sites
Ice and Snow can present perilous conditions at construction sites during the winter months. Construction companies and property owners are required to remove ice and snow from the area to prevent slip and fall accidents. Additionally, loose debris must be contained and removed from walkways to prevent harm to workers, the public, or emergency responders.
Slip and fall injuries can be catastrophic. Falls are one of the most common causes of fatalities in the construction industry. During the winter, when the weather can present an added menace, it is crucial that sites be kept free from potential slip and fall hazards.
Scaffolding Concerns
Under OSHA Regulation 1926.451(f)(8), construction workers are “prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials.” Improperly secured and unstable scaffolding is one of the most commonly cited OSHA violations and results in thousands of injuries each year.
During poor weather conditions, scaffolding and other equipment should not be used unless all regulatory requirements are met. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that as many as 61 fatalities in a single year resulted from unsuitable scaffolding and staging.
Crane and Derrick Hazards
Ice and snow are not the other winter weather hazards that can affect construction sites. Strong winds can cause devastation. Cranes, lifts, and derricks are particularly vulnerable to windy conditions. New York City and OSHA have specific standards for crane operation; failure to follow these requirements can result in a catastrophic collapse.
In October, cold, windy conditions caused a crane in Midtown Manhattan to spin wildly. Onlookers watched debris fall from the high rise that was under construction at the time. According to reporting by CBS 2 New York, “a loose cable hanging from the crane was spinning and hitting the building, causing the debris to come crashing down.” The incident shut down several streets as they worked to secure the machine.
Hoist Violations
Personnel hoists should not be used in “heavy rain, icy/freezing conditions, or winds reaching 35 mph.” OSHA requires that hoists be inspected and maintained on a weekly basis. Additionally, if the hoisting equipment has been exposed to wind conditions over 35 mph, it must be inspected and “put in operable condition before reuse.”
High winds can do exceptional damage to personnel hoists, making them unusable. Injuries caused by a faulty hoist can include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or death. To prevent these debilitating accidents, construction companies must remove hoists from use during adverse weather conditions and inspect them regularly.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
If you are injured in a construction accident, you need an attorney with experience to get the recovery you deserve. Winter can make construction sites even more dangerous than they usually are if proper safety protocols are not followed. If someone else was responsible for your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation.
At The Law Office of Asaro & Associates, we have helped injury victims recover millions in verdicts and settlements. We work hard to hold negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing. In many cases, there may be more than one responsible party, requiring complex litigation. We are experienced trial lawyers who know what it takes to win cases.
Call our office at (347) 231-5459 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
