Falling from a roof is a serious hazard and one that continues to occur frequently in the construction industry. These types of accidents can result in severe injuries and even fatalities. Whether you’re a professional roofer, solar panel installer or working on rooftop maintenance, it is crucial that you are provided with protective gear and safety instructions while on the job to prevent such construction accidents.
Potential for Serious Injuries
Many construction workers in New York City such as ironworkers, steelworkers, carpenters, masons, bricklayers, painters, window washers, and electricians etc. suffer serious or even fatal injuries when they fall from an elevation. Typically such workers perform their tasks while on roofs, scaffolds, ladders, platforms, etc. Workers who fall from a roof may suffer devastating head injuries, multiple broken bones or even paralysis as a result of spinal cord trauma.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from falls off roofs include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Falls from heights can lead to severe head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and bleeding in the brain. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life.
- Spinal cord trauma: Falls from roofs can cause spinal cord injuries ranging from sprains and strains to more severe conditions such as herniated discs, vertebral fractures, or even paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent disabilities and significant mobility limitations.
- Broken bones and fractures: Landing on hard surfaces after a fall can cause fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, hips, and pelvis. These injuries often require surgical intervention and extensive rehabilitation to heal properly.
- Soft tissue injuries: Falls can also lead to soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions. Even seemingly minor injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting an individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a fall can cause internal injuries to vital organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys. Internal bleeding and organ damage require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Safety is Key
While falls from roofs can have devastating consequences, many accidents are preventable with proper safety measures and precautions. Contractors and construction companies have a duty and a responsibility to make worksites safe for workers. Here are some critical safety measures that can help prevent falls from roofs:
- Fall protection equipment: The use of fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, when working at heights can help prevent major injury accidents. All equipment must be properly inspected, maintained, and used according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Proper training: Workers should receive comprehensive training on roof safety procedures, hazard identification, and the correct use of fall protection equipment in a language they can understand. Training should be ongoing and include regular refresher courses to reinforce safety practices.
- Roof conditions: Before starting any work on a roof, a thorough assessment must be conducted of the roof’s condition, especially potential hazards such as weak spots, loose materials, or slippery surfaces. Any issues must be promptly addressed to minimize the risk of accidents.
- Guardrails and safety nets: Installing guardrails, handrails, or safety nets around the perimeter of the roof can provide an additional layer of protection against falls. These barriers help prevent workers from accidentally stepping or tripping over the edge.
- Proper ladders and scaffolding: Workers must have access to stable and properly secured ladders or scaffolding for accessing the roof. Ladder stabilizers or tie-offs to prevent the ladder from slipping or shifting during use can also help prevent falls.
- Adequate lighting: Adequate lighting must be available when working on roofs, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours when visibility may be reduced. Proper lighting helps workers identify hazards and navigate them safely.
Compensation for Workers and Families
Worksite accidents can have devastating consequences for the victims. Workers who have been injured in roofing accidents or other construction-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.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
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, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. For over 52 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. Our law firm also recovered $3,000,000 for a man who fell and suffered two broken legs when he walked into an open elevator shaft. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
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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