How Slips, Trips, Falls, and Fatalities Happen on NYC Construction Sites
Work in the construction industry is inherently risky, no matter where the job site is. But in New York City, construction workers face towering skyscrapers, heavy traffic, and harsh weather year-round.
Many construction site hazards exist in New York, leading to slips, trips, and falls that result in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. At the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum, we’re here to help you understand why these incidents occur and how you can legally protect yourself or a loved one after a construction accident.
The Dangers of Construction Sites in NYC
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common causes of construction site injuries and deaths in New York City. The leading causes of fatal construction accidents often involve scaffolding, ladders, and roofs.
However, construction site hazards don’t just occur at high elevations. Even ground-level slips and trips can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, and death.
Types of Hazards in Construction Sites
NYC construction accidents often involve familiar physical hazards, such as wet or slippery walking surfaces from rain, ice, concrete slurry, spills, or debris. Construction materials scattered in walkways can cause even the most experienced construction worker to lose their footing.
Falls from heights are particularly deadly for workers, especially when there are construction site hazards like platforms without proper guardrails or safety nets. Federal OSHA standards also require protections such as harnesses and fall-arrest systems to keep workers safe on elevated surfaces.
Construction site safety hazards also arise from cluttered, obstructed work areas filled with loose cords, tools, hoses, and leftover materials. Poor lighting and visibility in interior areas and during nighttime shifts can increase the risk of trips and falls.
Other issues to be mindful of at construction sites include defective and improperly used equipment. Due to NYC’s varied climate, rain, ice, snow, and wind can make construction surfaces slick and treacherous, increasing the likelihood of incidents.
When Construction Site Hazards Lead to Fatalities
When unsafe job site conditions aren’t corrected, the consequences can be tragic. Unfortunately, many construction workers die due to falls from height, being struck by falling objects, and serious trip and slip accidents.
At times, one or more individuals, a company, or another entity is responsible for failing to follow safety protocols, not ensuring required protections, or disregarding regulations. If a construction worker’s death is a result of this negligence, the family of the deceased may pursue a wrongful death claim for financial and emotional hardship.
Taking Action After a Construction Site Accident
Fortunately, numerous legal protections are in place to protect injured construction workers and their families in New York. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or been killed because of these types of hazards in construction sites, you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
It is essential to seek immediate medical attention for construction site injuries and to document all injuries and treatments to protect your legal rights. Reporting the incident to a site supervisor and documenting the hazard conditions with photos and witness accounts is also crucial.
The Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum is here to help you navigate the legal process, identify all liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation. We represent people injured and killed in construction accidents in Brooklyn and throughout NYC.
We recognize that construction work builds and maintains our incredible city – and that no one should have to suffer a devastating injury or death because of preventable construction site hazards.
To learn more about your rights and to tell us your story, please contact us today at 718-237-5586 for a free consultation.
