The construction industry is no doubt one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. With more than 6.5 million Americans working on approximately 252,000 construction sites, the risk of injury is constantly present for workers. Workers have to work with heavy objects, at great heights, and with heavy machinery. According to the United States Department of Labor, 4,679 construction workers were killed on the job in 2014. This equals to 3.3 per 100,000 full-time workers.
Given these alarming statistics and dangerous work conditions, it is important that these employees are protected from unnecessary danger. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to serve this very purpose.
What Is OSHA?
OSHA sets the standard safety rules and regulations that are designed to protect construction site workers. OSHA employs more than 2,200 inspectors to evaluate construction site safety. These inspectors work for the people to ensure that project site owners and contractors uphold their obligations to the workers they hire.
While construction site accidents can be caused by many different factors, most accidents occur as a result of the employers’ negligence or failure to follow the safety standards set by OSHA. Unfortunately, the injured workers do not always receive the full compensation they are entitled to because most do not know their rights under OSHA.
It Is Important to Know Your Rights Under OSHA
Below are some of your rights as a construction worker under OSHA:
- You have access to copies of tests done to find workplace hazards
- You have a right to request OSHA to inspect a construction site if you suspect danger
- You have the right to review records of previous injuries and illnesses caused by construction site injuries
- You have the right to withhold your name from your employer if you file a complaint with OSHA
It is important that you are confident at the construction site where you work. The contractor and/or the project owner have an obligation to provide you and the other workers with safety protocols, safe equipment and to comply with the standards set by OSHA.
If your employer fails to take these important steps and you or someone you love is injured as a result, you may have a valid claim for compensation against your employer. Employers and their insurance carriers will take every step possible to protect their pockets and avoid paying you the full compensation that you deserve. This is the exact reason why it is imperative for you to know your rights under OSHA and hire an experienced New York construction accident attorney to help protect your rights.
We Can Help You If You Are Injured
When you are injured in a construction site accident, you need to hire an experienced New York construction injury attorney to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek P.C. have more than 39 years of experience and knowledge to aggressively fight for your rights and get you the full extent of monetary compensation that you deserve.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York construction injury attorneys, please call 1-800-529-9997.
