The staggering speed at which New York City’s skyline has been transforming in recent years has not come without a human cost.
As we’ve written about before, our city’s construction boom has resulted in a record number of construction accidents, injuries and deaths. In fact, Department of Buildings records showed a 91 percent increase in injuries between 2014 and 2015, and incidents like last year’s crane collapse showed us the danger has not passed.
Based on these safety records, it appears builders are placing profits ahead of worker safety. So what can you do to keep yourself and your coworkers safe on construction sites?
If you see something, say something. Here’s how.
You Can File An OSHA Complaint
If you are witnessing or experiencing unsafe working conditions or corners being cute when it comes to safety procedures, you can file a complaint through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You can file an OSHA complaint online here.
You have the right as a worker to file a complaint without fear of reprisal. You also do not have to know exactly what rule or regulation is being broken to file a claim. If something seems like a hazard to you, it is a good idea to report it as soon as possible so necessary actions can be taken to make your workplace a safer area for you and your coworkers.
Emergency Reporting
If the unsafe working conditions you encounter are a life-threatening hazard or an emergency exists, you can call 1-800-321-OSHA to file an emergency report.
At Block O’Toole & Murphy we hope you will never need to get in touch with OSHA. In a perfect world employers would follow the rules and make sure their workers are safe. Until that day comes construction workers in New York City can rely on our proven attorneys to look out for their safety and their rights.