Important Steps to Prevent More Tragedies on New York Construction Sites

It’s no secret that construction is an inherently dangerous field for its workers. Recent tragic accidents on New York construction sites have grabbed headlines and made state officials take notice. However, top priority should be in preventing even more tragedies from happening by taking preventive measures.

A Building Boom Means More Potential Construction Site Accidents

The cranes over New York’s skyline make it obvious that the state is enjoying a building boom. However, this boom may also be a recipe for disaster. Although there has been a 30 percent increase in issuing or renewing building permits in the past five years, the number of Department of Building (DOB) employees has dropped by more than 20 percent.

In order for the agency to properly enforce safety on construction sites, it needs money, resource and staff. With a boom in the construction industry, there is no reason for that program to be waning. It should be growing.

Important Tips To Help Prevent Construction Site Accidents

While not all construction site accidents can be avoided, most can be prevented if certain safety measures are followed. Some important safety measures that should be strictly implemented on construction sites to help reduce the number of construction related accidents include:

• Drug and alcohol testing on job sites.
• 10-hour OSHA training cards
• The installation of a cocoon system for concrete projects, essentially enclosing high-rise construction sites for any job over 10 stories. These cocoons will provide additional protection to the public from falling debris from the buildings, as well as providing added protection to the workers on the building site.
• Greater crane-operator accountability through signed verification forms.
• Mandatory removal of any worker from a work site where he or she causes an accident that endangers other construction workers or the public.

These tips may sound simple, but they are not standard across construction sites. Taking even the smallest or simplest steps on inherently dangerous construction sites can prevent serious and even fatal accidents.

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If you or a loved one was injured in a construction site injury, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Although exercising your rights and seeking money damages will not turn back time or undue your pain and discomfort, it will allow you to have the financial means to get the necessary treatment for your injuries. To ensure that you get the full compensation that you deserve, you should hire an experienced New York construction accident lawyer.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced New York construction accident attorney, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 800-529-9997.