Masonry workers use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks, and natural and manmade stones to build structures. Masonry is an extremely important part of construction work and for building the structures we live and work in. Masons are typically required to work at elevations and in all types of weather. They also work with a variety of construction materials, and lift and carry heavy objects. Some of their responsibilities include texturing and polishing stone, installing dressed stone, mixing cement and mortar and restoring old and damaged building facades.
What Injury Risks Do Masons Face?
Because of the nature of their jobs, those who do masonry work are particularly vulnerable to construction accident injuries. Some of the common dangers faced by masons include:
Falls from Elevation: Falling from a ladder or scaffold is one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries or death for masons. Any worker who is operating 6 feet above the ground must be provided with fall protection systems such as harnesses, toe boards, safety nets and guardrails.
Working near heavy equipment: Masons are also injured when they work near equipment such as forklifts. In addition, they exposed to struck-by hazards.
Wall bracing: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires bracing on all masonry walls over 8 feet tall. Walls that are not properly braced may collapse in high wind or heavy loads. Collapsing walls can cause major injuries ranging from crush injuries to limb amputations.
Electrocution: Masons also face dangers from live electric wires in the work area. It is important that such hazards are considered and addressed before work begins.
Measures to Safeguard Masons at a Worksite
While masons are often exposed to risk at construction sites, these risks can often be mitigated by contractors, construction companies and other parties that are typically in charge of worksites. Here are some of the safety steps that should be taken to protect masons:
- Workers should be provided with personal protective equipment such as safety helmets, goggles and safety shoes with anti-skid soles.
- Masons should be equipped with mechanical lifting equipment so they don’t have to physically lift large loads.
- Work surfaces, walkways and floors should be clear of debris, wires and other trip-and-fall hazards.
- Masons should also be provided with respiratory protection equipment such as masks or respirators.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Workers who have been injured in fall-related accidents may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, which covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In addition, workers may also be able to file a third-party claim against a negligent (careless) party other than the employer or co-employees for significant monetary damages and have two sources of compensation available for their losses. Examples of third parties include, but are not limited to, general contractors, construction companies, sub-contractors, building owners, managing agents etc. In cases where a worker dies from injuries suffered on the job, surviving family members may seek death benefits through workers’ compensation and/or file a wrongful death claim against a third party who may be held liable for the fatal incident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. For over 51 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recovered $3,375,576 for a construction worker (an undocumented immigrant) who was injured on the job — one of the highest construction case settlements in New York that year.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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