Construction Site Where Fire Injured Three Workers Had Dozens Of Safety Violations Over The Past Year
BRONX, NEW YORK (May 19, 2023) – Three workers were injured in a fire that started at a Bronx construction site, according to the New York City Fire Department.
The fire started on Monday morning and three workers were taken to the hospital. The construction site where the fire started apparently had a history of safety violations.
In particular, New York City has issued over 25 violations in the past year alone. One of the violations included failing to provide a proper permit for using a propane torch.
A partial stop work order has been implemented at the construction site. The workers injured in the fire are expected to make a recovery.
Liability For Bronx Construction Accidents
Despite continuous improvements in workplace safety standards, thousands of workers are killed or seriously injured every year on the job. Many of these fires happen at construction sites. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 4,300 fires in structures under construction per year in 2016 through 2020. These fires caused an average of five civilian deaths, 62 civilian injuries, and $376 million in direct property damage annually.” There are a number of steps that construction companies should take to protect workers.
- All workers should be well trained to identify safety hazards.
- Construction sites should be maintained in a reasonably safe condition.
- Construction sites should not have any flammable safety hazards.
Depending on the facts of any case, a construction company could be liable if a worker is injured in a fire through New York Labor Law § 200. This statute is a codification of an employer’s general duty to maintain job sites in a safe condition. According to the statute, “All machinery, equipment, and devices in such places shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.” When a company fails to provide workers with a reasonably safe environment, this could form the basis of a legal claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any workplace accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An experienced construction accident attorney should be contacted.
Many victims of construction accidents may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months. On top of this, an injured worker may not be able to return to their job for a long time. It is crucial that all evidence is preserved if you’ve been injured on the job. A construction accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Bronx Construction Site Fire
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the workers injured in this fire. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. The reports of safety violations at this construction site remain deeply troubling.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Bronx construction fire? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of construction accident attorneys are here for you. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
