Construction Worker Injured During Facade Repair at New York Public Library in Hell’s Kitchen
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (August 24, 2024) – A construction worker was injured in an accident during facade repair for the Columbus Branch of the New York Public Library in Hell’s Kitchen.
New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 9:35 a.m. on Tuesday. The construction worker apparently fell off the back of a truck as he was unloading lumber for the construction project.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. The man was placed on a spine board and taken to Mount Sinai Morningside.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for New York City Construction Accidents
Falls remain one of the leading causes of construction accidents in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In 2022, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.4 percent of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry accounted for close to half, 47.4 percent, of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2022.” There are many factors that could contribute to falls.
- Workers may be in worksites that have uneven surfaces.
- Workers may not have been provided with fall protection.
- Worksites may have lacked guardrails and other safety features.
Building owners and general contractors in New York could be strictly liable for an elevator fall under New York Labor Law § 240. The statute covers all gravity-related accidents, including incidents where workers fall or are struck by falling objects. The statute will apply when a worker is engaged in “the erection, demolition, repairing, altering, painting, cleaning or pointing of a building or structure.” Construction companies should take several measures to keep workers safe.
- All construction workers should undergo safety training.
- Construction companies should strictly enforce all OSHA regulations.
- Construction workers should be provided with all protection when they work at heights of 6 feet or more.
Construction accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to be the result of major safety lapses. This can include instances where worksites are cluttered and more likely to contain tripping hazards. When a construction worker is injured in a fall in New York City, they may be able to recover damages through a civil claim. This is why it is so important that victims seek the guidance of an experienced New York construction accident attorney.
Investigating New York City Construction Accident
We at GLK Law extend our best wishes to the victim of this Hell’s Kitchen construction accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this. Workers should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and staying safe.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a New York City construction accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
