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Construction sites are inherently dangerous workplaces. You face significant risks every time you clock in, even with modern safety equipment and regulations. The frustrating part? Many of these injuries are completely preventable and happen because someone ignored established safety standards.
Our friends at Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy understand that when site managers and contractors cut corners or ignore regulations, workers pay the price. If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions, a construction accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for compensation.
The Most Common OSHA Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration tracks workplace violations across the country. According to OSHA’s most cited violations, certain safety failures appear repeatedly on construction sites. These violations aren’t just paperwork issues. They directly correlate with serious and fatal injuries.
Fall Protection Failures
Fall protection violations consistently rank as the number one cited safety issue. Workers on scaffolding, roofs, ladders, and other elevated surfaces need proper guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. When contractors fail to provide this equipment or workers aren’t trained to use it correctly, falls from height become inevitable. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. We’re talking spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. New York Labor Law 240, commonly called the Scaffolding Law, provides specific protections for workers injured in elevation-related accidents.
Respiratory Protection and Hazard Communication
Many construction materials contain dangerous substances. Asbestos, silica dust, lead paint, and chemical solvents require specific handling procedures and protective equipment. Sites that fail to take proper precautions put you at risk for serious health problems. Every site should provide:
- Proper respirators and breathing equipment
- Training on hazardous material identification
- Safety data sheets for chemicals
- Dust control measures
Workers exposed to these hazards may develop serious respiratory conditions, chemical burns, or long-term health problems that don’t appear until years after exposure. That’s what makes these violations particularly dangerous.
Scaffolding Standards
Improperly constructed or maintained scaffolding creates multiple dangers. Scaffolds must have adequate support, proper access points, and guardrails. Regular inspections are required, especially after weather events or any incident that could affect structural integrity. Collapsed scaffolding can injure multiple workers simultaneously. The injuries are often severe, including crush injuries and falls from significant heights.
Ladder Safety Violations
Ladders seem simple, but improper use causes thousands of injuries annually. Common violations include using damaged ladders, failing to secure them properly, extending them to inappropriate heights, or positioning them on unstable surfaces. Something as basic as a ladder can become deadly when safety protocols aren’t followed.
Electrical Hazards
Construction sites have numerous electrical dangers. Exposed wiring, damaged power tools, improper grounding, and working near power lines all create electrocution risks. Contact with live electrical sources can cause burns, cardiac arrest, and death.
Who’s Responsible When Violations Cause Injuries
Multiple parties may bear responsibility when safety violations lead to worker injuries. General contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers all have specific duties to maintain safe worksites. You shouldn’t have to figure out who’s liable on your own. The law provides strong protections for injured construction workers. Beyond workers’ compensation benefits, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against negligent parties. This can provide compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages that workers’ comp doesn’t cover.
Understanding Your Rights After a Worksite Injury
Documentation matters if you’ve been injured due to safety violations. Take photos of the hazardous conditions if possible. Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. Seek medical attention even if the injury seems minor at first, because some conditions worsen over time. Time limits apply to construction injury claims in New York. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case. Safety violations on construction sites are unacceptable. You deserve protection, and when companies fail to provide it, they should be held accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to unsafe conditions, reach out to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.
