The Construction Accident Lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy (Lawyers Experienced in Helping Construction Workers and their Families) continue to document how construction site falls remain a serious problem in New York City.
Learn more about construction site falls here.
The New York Daily News is reporting that a man was hospitalized and remains in grave condition after a three-story fall at a Brooklyn construction site. The construction worker was working on Nostrand Avenue near Marine Parkway in the Midwood section of Brooklyn during the early morning hours when he fell. The location was previously a car wash but is being converted by a developer into a large condominium. The real question people should be asking is why are these tragic accidents continuing to occur?
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones. We hope he is able to overcome the obstacles that await him.
It is well documented that falls at construction sites in New York are the leading cause of serious construction accidents resulting in severe injury or death. What is not as well documented is that most falls can be prevented. Who is responsible for making sure a worksite is best equipped to prevent construction workers from falling while doing their job? It is a complicated question but the onus is on employers and supervisors to set up a workplace to minimize the chances that construction workers will fall while doing elevated work.
Generally speaking, fall protection must be provided whenever a worker is laboring at a height of 6 feet or more during construction work. Legally, property owners, developers and general contractors are responsible for making sure that a work site is safe. If they fail to provide the right equipment and a safe place to work and this leads to an accident then they are legally responsible for the damages. Was this worker given a fair opportunity to do his job safely? We will find out.
How can falls be prevented at a construction site?
- Floor holes that are big enough for a worker to fall through should be covered.
- Scaffolds should have appropriate guardrails and toe boards.
- Fall protection devices like safety harnesses, safety nets and stair railings must be accessible and required for all workers who are in danger of falling while doing their job.
- Work areas should be kept clean and dry.
- Competent supervisors with appropriate experience should be at the site at all times
- All workers should be trained on how to perform their job safely in a language that they understand.
- Safety needs to be continuously prioritized and employers need to hold regular meetings to discuss how to do the job in a safe way.
Workers have an absolute right to be able to do their job under the safest the circumstances. Every worker should expect and require this. Unfortunately, there are many people who are not in the position to make demands of their employers. Those folks are frequently the victims of construction accidents that result from unsafe work conditions. Those same people are the ones who desperately need an experienced construction accident attorney to give them counsel and direction after they have been involved in a construction accident.
Results Matter
The trial lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy have a long and proud tradition of fighting on behalf of injured workers. They have amassed nearly $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for their clients. You may contact them at any time for a free consultation by dialing 212-736-5300.