The family of a 44-year-old man who was killed in a construction accident in New York on Nov. 21 has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The family members, who were joined at a press conference by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, claim that the man was laboring in conditions so unsafe that crane operators refused to work.
Construction safety law does little to curb accidents
A series of construction accidents in New York City sparked a change in the law and requirements imposed on construction companies. In many cases, the accidents were caused by situations that would have been prevented if proper workplace safety procedures were followed on the site. As a result, the City Council passed a bill that increased the safety training requirements for construction workers on projects in the city. In October 2017, Local Law 196 was signed, but a year later, critics say that it has had little practical implications for construction workers' safety.
Filing a claim after a construction accident
The construction industry poses a wide range of hazards to employees. In New York, workers can be at risk for everything from repetitive motion injuries to electrocution to exposure to dangerous chemicals. OSHA has regulations in place to help prevent such accidents. The agency requires employers to provide safe equipment, remove potential hazards and provide safety training.
Some tips for working at height
Brooklyn construction often involves building up as much as it does building out. This forces workers to spend lots of time on scaffolding.
