Construction work is a dangerous job, with accidents that can result in fatalities. Many accidents are waiting to happen, and a small error can cause an individual to lose their life, become disabled, or deal with lifetime consequences. Many laws compensate a worker in case of an accident. The employer is obliged to follow worker guidelines to protect the rights of the employees and ensure safety. These workers need to be rightfully represented if they feel they are not being treated fairly.
Construction Site Accidents
Working around dangerous materials, it’s not surprising that accidents are common in this line of work. The most common construction site accidents are falls, electrocution, being struck by a heavy object, or being wedged between machinery and materials. While one can argue that these accidents occur due to negligence on the worker’s end, they are more likely to occur due to unsafe working environments. Employers need to be aware of their constriction site to ensure that their employees are safe. If they fail to do this simple task, it can lead to dangerous conditions that can result in injury.
Safety Equipment Isn’t Provided
Lack of safety equipment is the top reason for construction site injuries. Employers are required by law to provide their workers with adequate safety equipment. That includes construction hats, vests, gloves, boots, or any item that provides security. They need to make sure that each employee is wearing their equipment before they start working. Employers must train workers to use the provided equipment to prevent on-site injuries. If workers aren’t aware of the dangers, they can accidentally hurt themselves severely.
Faulty Equipment Is Provided
Defective construction tools, power tools, or heavy equipment can lead to construction site injury. Malfunctions of equipment can cause amputations, deep wounds, or fatal injuries. Employers are required to keep and ensure the maintenance of equipment to provide safe working conditions. This needs to be done before anybody starts working with this equipment. They need to make sure that their employees know what they’re doing and feel confident doing so. Ignoring this important task could cause catastrophic damage.
Improper Training
Despite all safety measures being followed, if the employer does not train their workers on how to use them, they will be liable for charges regarding workplace injuries. This job requires certain skills that need to be highlighted when they are interviewing a future employee. If an employee doesn’t feel like they will be a good fit, the employer needs to notice that. The workers are responsible for being vocal if they are unsure how to use equipment, feel ill to work, or seek additional training to protect their lives. Employers need to hire competent employees that won’t put others at risk.
Worker’s Rights
Laws protect the rights of the worker in a hazardous working environment. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an employer is responsible for. Provide the workers with a safe work environment. The employer must ensure a safe visiting environment if a visitor hopes to enter a construction site. Provide workers with safety equipment such as ladders and scaffolding to prevent accidents from falling. Train the workers to use safety equipment and make them aware of the safety rules and regulations. Safety protocol should be well-versed by the workers, and emergency training should be provided. An NYC construction accident lawyer at Friedman Levy can help workers sue for worksite negligence and compensation in case of violation.
Compensation For Injuries
Workers who have suffered an injury or illness due to working conditions or during employment can demand worker’s compensation. This insurance covers medical bills and rehab expenses and pays for any wage loss during their recovery period. In case of death, financial compensation is provided to the family. The insurance aims to allow workers to recover from injuries without having economic issues. It covers all workplace injuries and accidents and does not require legal proof of the employer’s negligence or unsafe working conditions. However, worker’s compensation insurance does not cover emotional or mental injuries from physical harm.
Conclusion
Construction workers are the backbone of our society. They do the labor that most are not capable of doing. Ensuring their rights to safe life and promoting fulfilled ones is essential. If workers feel they are not being treated fairly, they need to seek legal advice. A trusted attorney will be able to review their case and make sure they are getting the justice they deserve. Employers need to be held accountable if they are not keeping their employees safe.
