Construction Site Debris Causing Injury

CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT & INJURY LAWYERS SERVING QUEENS, NYC

Construction sites are often scattered with machinery, tools, and construction materials everywhere. Accidents happen as a result of debris left where it should not have been. For construction workers, this debris can pose a danger and can cause serious injuries. Debris such as metal and wood fragments, sharp glass, and other dangerous materials may cause workers to trip, fall, and injure themselves as a result. This debris at the construction site needs to be cleaned up, walkways need to be cleared. If left in place near workers, the same work materials become dangerous and can cause a serious injury to a worker. In certain situations, dangerous debris can cause serious hazards not just to construction workers, but also to the public.

Injuries from construction site debris are preventable. Property owners, general contractors, or supervisors are required by law to maintain a safe workplace that is as hazard-free as possible. When employers fail to take the steps necessary to protect workers, such as removing unnecessary debris, they should be held accountable for the injuries suffered by their workers. Negligence does not need to be proven for worker’s compensation claims, however, negligence does need to be demonstrated when pursuing a third-party claim.

If you or a family member has been injured due to construction site debris, you need to seek advice from a qualified lawyer in New York.  We represent those injured in construction accidents and injuries involving any type of serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, knee and shoulder injuries, etc.  The attorneys at the Kalra Law Firm will work diligently to get you the full compensation you deserve.

Construction Debris Safety

According to The National Safety Council (tells us that) every seven seconds, someone is hurt on the job. Moreover, the fatal injury rate on construction sites is significantly higher than the national average for all occupations. What’s even more staggering is that one in five workplace deaths happens on a construction site, as per Occupational Safety & Health Administration(OSHA).

Trip-and-fall accidents are common on a construction sites. As these projects progress, the site becomes littered with debris. These hazards can include:

• Broken concrete, bricks, and cinder blocks
• Discarded ropes, wire spools, and tools that are just “laying around”
• Glass panes and broken window frames
• Parts of wooden boards, steel beams, or those used on scaffolds

Other injuries associated with construction site hazards occur during the demolition of old buildings. All of the above materials, and other refuse, is on the ground at demolition sites. And many workers who are clearing up can fall after tripping on this ground litter, even if they’re paying attention.

Preventing Slip, Trip, and Falls on Construction Sites Due to On-Ground Hazards

OSHA reports also tell us that slips, trips, and falls account for half of all days workers spend away from work than all other on-the-job injuries. And it offers these suggestions to help reduce or eliminate them:

• Wear comfortable, well-fitting footwear with plenty of “tread.” If the soles of your boots are flat, get a new pair, today!
• Wear a hard hat that fits your head snugly.
• Help keep passages and walkways clear of obstructions, and wide enough to allow safe passage.
• Pick up after yourself and put away tools and equipment after you use them.
• Keep outdoor surfaces clean and dry; and treat with sand, salt, or anti-skid adhesive if necessary.
• Walk on non-slip floor mats indoors and clean your shoes often. Mats should have beveled edges, lay completely flat, be composed of non-slip materials, and be placed where moisture collects.

Your Contractor’s Responsibilities, and the On-Site Safety Manager’s Role

There are standards all New York City property owners and building contractors must meet to protect you from the hazards of on-ground/floor falls. They include:

• Keeping walking surfaces clean and free of water, oil, and grease
• Keeping stairwells and steps well lit, with sturdy railings along both sides when possible
• Using proper indoor and outdoor lighting, and regularly inspecting it
• Regularly inspecting, identifying and correcting ruts, slippery conditions, and other uneven ground on the construction site.

All construction sites must have a safety professional who is certified by the New York City Department of Buildings on-site during all shifts. This person monitors and records all safety hazards and makes certain they are corrected. Anyone can report a hazard to the site safety officer; even if your boss tells you differently. Many times they will tell you to notify just your immediate supervisor, which you should do. But if the hazard is still there the next day, tell the site safety person.

At the recent May kickoff of its annual Construction Safety Week activities, Acting Buildings Commissioner Thomas Fariello noted that “Safety is everybody’s responsibility. And reinforcing that message of shared duty must be at the center of everything…

Whether you or a family member was injured due to a car accident, commercial vehicle accident, or semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to full benefits and compensation. Know your rights and get the answers you deserve. The attorneys at Kalra Law Firm are dedicated to getting car accident victims the compensation they deserve. Call our office now to speak with one of our experienced car accident lawyers to represent you in your case. We offer a free initial consultation and will not charge unless we win your case. Call our New York City and Queens car accident lawyers today if you have any questions about a car accident you were involved in. Call us at (718) 897-2211 at www.unionlawyer.com

OUR LAWYERS HELP WORKERS INJURED IN CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES CAUSED BY SITE DEBRIS IN NEW YORK CITY

There is never a charge to speak to us, call us for a free consultation today at (718) 897-2211.

About Kalra Law Firm

NYC Construction Injury Lawyers from Kalra Law Firm have recuperated millions of dollars for our clients. The toll of serious injury can be tremendous on you and your loved ones. We have devoted ourselves to fighting for justice and to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. With Law Offices in Queens, Long Island, Corona, and The Bronx We are ready to serve you today.