Construction Worker Injured after fall at Harlem Site

A 40-year-old man sustained head and leg injuries after he took a fall while working at the CUNY campus in Harlem. According to a news report, the New York City’s Department of Buildings officials said that construction site accident occurred when the worker fell about 15 feet from the second to the first floor. Although he was wearing a safety harness, officials say it was not attached to a lifeline, as mandated by federal safety standards. The work site was shut down while officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigate the incident.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2008, fatal work injuries involving falls decreased 20 percent after seeing a sharp spike in 2007 when there were 847 reported fatal falls. In 2008, fatal falls to a lower level, which accounted for 85 percent of all falls, were down 23 percent. Also in 2008, fatal falls from roofs were down 26 percent and falls from ladders decreased by 14 percent.
However, falls still continue to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, especially in the construction industry. It is critical for employers to identify fall hazards and determine how best to protect workers in terms of reducing or eliminating such hazards. Any time a worker is at a height of 4 feet or more, there is the risk of falling. OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at 4 feet in the general industry, 5 feet in maritime and 6 feet in the construction industry. Irrespective of the distance, fall protection must be provided when the worker is operating over dangerous equipment and machinery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident due to lack of fall protection or safety devices, please remember that you have rights. The experienced New York City personal injury lawyers of the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm have an long track record protecting the rights of injured workers. Call us at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) to discuss your claim. We will fight hard for your rights and ensure that you receive just compensation for all the injuries, damages and losses you have sustained.
1-800-RADIO-LAW 1-888-WYPADEK 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com
Source: DNAinfo.com