Construction workers in New York face many hazards while they are on the job. Even though construction work is among the most dangerous types of jobs, many workers are paid low wages. New York’s city council is considering a bill that would require construction companies that have government contracts to pay the prevailing wage. However, more needs to be done to improve the safety of the workers.
The bill includes provisions that call for classroom and on-the-job training to help to prevent the types of accidents and injuries that can be prevented with education. Training is beneficial to both the workers and their employers.
Construction remains the most dangerous industry in New York. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 20 construction fatalities in 2017 in the city. In 2017, a bill was signed into law that provided that companies that wanted to be able to take tax exemptions would have to pay their workers the prevailing wages for the areas in which they worked. While that law improved pay for workers, it is not enough. More needs to be done to train workers so the accidents can be prevented.
Construction accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Workers who are injured and the family members of workers who are killed may be entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits. In addition, if third-party subcontractors were involved in causing the accidents, the plaintiffs may be able to file lawsuits against the negligent third parties in addition to filing workers’ compensation claims. Attorneys who are experienced in handling construction accident claims might assist their clients with recovering fair compensation for the losses that they have suffered.
