Construction sites are hazardous environments that can pose many safety risks to workers. Unfortunately, due to the inherent danger involved in the work, accidents on job sites are not uncommon — and depending upon how they happen, they can cause devastating injuries, permanent disability, or fatality. While there are many different ways construction accidents can arise, there are certain factors in the workplace that can increase the risk of them occurring.
Some common factors that cause accidents in construction can include the following:
1. Insufficient Training
When workers do not receive sufficient training in safety protocol, workplace safety, emergency procedures, or how to carry out their tasks, the likelihood of an accident can increase. Workers should be adequately trained in the proper use of equipment and machinery. In addition, it’s crucial that they receive instruction in identifying potential hazards and how to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with them.
2. Lack of Communication
Effective communication between workers, supervisors, and other parties on a job site is critical to reduce the potential for risks that could lead to accidents. If workers cannot hear or understand each other, safety hazards may go unreported or important instructions might be missed. Communicating clearly about safety procedures and protocols is vital to ensuring workplace safety.
3. Inadequate Supervision
When supervisors provide little or no oversight, they will not know whether safety protocol is being followed. Similarly, when job site supervisors do not have the experience necessary to ensure safety procedures are being carried out, a dangerous workplace can become even more hazardous.
4. Defective Equipment
A leading cause of construction accidents is defective equipment. When equipment is faulty or machinery malfunctions, a worker can incur serious — or even fatal — injuries. These types of accidents can be caused by design flaws in the equipment, or failure to inspect the machinery. Construction accidents can also happen when the wrong equipment is used for a certain task.
5. Poor Job Site Conditions
A poorly maintained worksite can be a major factor that contributes to construction accidents. If workers are not in an environment that allows them to do their jobs safely, severe injuries can arise. For instance, when debris isn’t removed in a timely manner, tools aren’t properly stored, or machinery isn’t placed where it belongs, workers are at risk of being hurt. Depending on the circumstances, a contractor, property owner, construction manager, or other party can be held liable for any injuries that occur due to dangerous worksite conditions.
6. Failure to Provide Safety Gear
Under New York State law, construction workers must be provided with specific personal protective equipment so that they can carry out their jobs safely. For example, workers should be given hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, safety harnesses, respirators, and other safety gear. They must also be trained in the proper use of the safety gear and made aware of the risks that could arise — as well as be informed about the protective measures that are in place.
7. Safety Violations
Both New York State and federal law set forth stringent safety guidelines that must be followed by everyone present on a construction site. When labor law or OSHA violations occur, it puts everyone in the workplace at risk of injury. If contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and others on the job site fail to comply with the required safety regulations, they could be held accountable for any injuries that happen as a result.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one was hurt on a construction site due to a third party’s negligence or carelessness, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages. It’s essential to have an attorney by your side who can help ensure you obtain the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled. Due to our skill and experience, The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP regularly obtains significant settlements and substantial jury verdicts for victims of workplace injuries. Located in Manhattan, our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout New York City since 1937. Call to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.