Construction employees who have to work on roofs are in constant danger of serious injury accidents. Some roofs are weak and are subject to sudden collapse. Other construction sites pose substantial falling hazards. During the hot summer months, construction workers have to deal with the heat with little to no shade. All of these conditions make roof work extremely hazardous.
It is the obligation of employers, contractors and property owners to provide safe work conditions for their employees. Construction workers who are injured on the job do have rights and would be well-advised to contact an experienced injury lawyer to explore their legal options.
There are a number of safety precautions contractors must take to decrease the chances of a serious fall at a construction site. Fall protection devices such as safety barriers should be placed near a roof’s edge. These can act like a guardrail to prevent falls. Barriers should also be placed around skylights and weak parts of the roof that are not safe for walking. Any holes or openings on a roof that are being repaired should be clearly marked so workers are aware of these dangerous areas.
There are many situations in which a construction worker should be provided a safety harness. This apparatus can anchor the worker to the building so if he or she slips, the harness will prevent a fall. Some sites would be well advised to use a safety net on the building as well. This device can act as a fail safe to catch a worker who has fallen.
These types of accidents involving falls from roofs are almost entirely preventable. But they tend to occur because not all construction companies or contractors follow the rules. When construction firms cut corners and put profits over the safety and well-being of their workers, it can result in devastating accidents. Workers who have suffered an injury on a New York construction site may file for workers compensation benefits through their employers. Sometimes, compensation may also be available from third parties including, but not limited to general contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, or manufacturers of defective products.
The New York personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm help injured workers and their families get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York construction accident, call our offices today at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) for a free consultation. We can also help with personal injury cases in 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.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com