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5 Fall Risks Explained by Our Construction Accident Lawyer in Staten Island

12.16.2022 Brian O'Connor Category: Construction Accidents

Understanding and Avoiding Common Fall Risks on a Construction Site

One of the most common causes of personal injuries is a fall. According to statistics from the World Health Organization(WHO), falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the world. In the United States, the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that there are over 8 million hospital emergency department visits due to falls each year. Of the most common causes, these same statistics report that slip and falls account for approximately 1 million hospital visits. But when it comes to construction work and fall risks, our experienced construction accident lawyer in Staten Island knows that falls can happen in many different ways and often result in much greater harm.

Staten Island Slip and Fall Attorney Construction Accident Lawyer in Staten IslandThat’s because fall risks are one of the “fatal four” or most common causes of wrongful death for construction workers. In fact, falls are the most common cause of construction worker death, accounting for over 34% of all fatal construction accidents in the United States. There are many different ways that a fall could happen, which statistics report that there are over 164,000 ladder fall injuries every year in the United States each year. Falls at the construction site can also happen from roofs or working in an elevated position, all which can be dangerous for workers who are not given proper safety equipment – even though New York law requires it.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in any type of fall accident in New York, call our experienced construction accident lawyer in Staten Island to schedule a FREE consultation. We can help fight back to recover you and your family compensation that you need for a fatal fall occurring at a construction job site. To learn more, call us today.

5 Common Fall Risks at Construction Sites There are many different fall risks at a construction site. Even for jobs that may not seem like there is an elevation risk, just standing on a step ladder can pose a serious risk of falling for a worker. Some of the most common causes of construction fall risks include the following:

1 – Falls from Ladders

Ladders can be one of the most important safety devices for a construction worker. But they can also be one of the most dangerous if used improperly, if the ladder is defective, or if the ladder is not appropriate for the job being done. Common issues with ladders include:

  • Damaged feet or no feet
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Wet surfaces
  • Not tying off or having someone hold the bottom when working above 6 feet
  • Not both tying of and having someone hold the bottom when working above 10 feet
  • Using on a windy day or during bad weather
  • Electric line hazards
  • Inexperience
  • Slippery conditions or surfaces on the ladder or around the ladder, and
  • Other common dangerous conditions for ladder use.

2 – Scaffolding Collapse

Scaffolding is another very common and important safety device used to prevent falls. However, improperly used scaffolding can present a huge danger. Further, improperly constructed scaffolding can outright become a trap. All construction workers must ensure that scaffolding is well-maintained and not dangerous or defective. Any falls from a scaffolding that was old, damaged, defective, improperly built, or improperly maintained is a major concern.

3 – Lack of Safety Equipment Like Harnesses or Ropes

One of the most critical pieces of equipment for any worker who is working from a height is a harness and rope. Work sites and projects should have tie off posts or hooks for ropes. Individuals properly using ropes and harnesses can hook into those spots to keep themselves safe while working from a height. However, when owners and construction managers or employers fail to offer harnesses, ropes, or proper tie off spots, that can result in serious dangers. All workers need to use these safety devices and, when not provided, it can be a labor law violation.

4 – Improper Uses of Lulls, Forklifts, and other Devices

A huge fall risk is when workers, managers, contractors, and other construction workers try to use inappropriate safety equipment to elevation work. Sometimes that has even included using a lull or forklift with wood on the prongs to allow people to stand on them to work from a height. This is not an approved safety device. Anyone using these devices for elevation work is creating a huge and high risk for falls.

5 – Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards 

It is indeed true that debris and other slip, trip, and fall hazards are a common cause of a fall. Not just on the ground, but also in elevated places like on mid or upper tiers of buildings, near elevator holes, and in other areas of a job site. That’s why regulations require individuals to keep job sites clean and clear of potential hazards. The failure to do so can result in serious slip and falls.

Were You Injured in One of These Fall Risks? Call Our Experienced Construction Accident Attorney in Staten Island for Help

If you or a loved one suffered personal injuries in a construction accident in New York, particularly right here in Staten Island, Brooklyn, New York City, The Bronx, Queens, Long Island, and in surrounding areas, please call to schedule FREE consultation with our experienced construction accident lawyer at the O’Connor Law Firm. We offer dedicated and personalized service to our clients, committed to helping you and your family recover the compensation that you need and deserve. To learn more, schedule your appointment by dialing (718) 948-3500 or send us an email through our “Contact Us” box available here.