New York Construction Accidents Dropped in 2010

Construction is the most dangerous industry in the United States. Compared to other occupations, construction workers see the most injuries and deaths on the job every year. Falls, machinery malfunctions, building collapses, and electrocution are just some of the risks involved with working on a construction site. The New York Building Department (NYBD) reported there was a 28 percent drop in construction accidents in 2010. There were 157 construction accidents in 2010 and four of these accidents were fatal.
The NYBD reported the drop may be attributed to less permits for construction coming through the city, but it may also mean New York construction companies are tightening up their safety standards. Although 2011 statistics are not yet available, there have been at least four reported construction-related deaths in New York this year. Nationwide, there are more than 800 construction-related injuries every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one out of every five work-related deaths in the United States happens in the construction industry.
Employers are expected to ensure their employees are properly trained and know how to use materials and machinery. This includes making sure each construction worker adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards. Employers must provide all safety equipment such as goggles, vests, and hard hats. Employers are also required to ensure that workers who are operating at higher elevations are equipped with fall protection devices.
Construction accident injuries can include broken bones, back and neck injuries, head injuries, and even limb amputations. In some cases, construction site accidents can result in death. An injured construction worker or the family of a deceased worker can seek workers compensation benefits from the employer. In addition, they can also seek third-party compensation from a responsible party, other than the employer. Examples of third parties include, but are not limited to, general contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, and defective product manufacturers.
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 provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights. Our law firm recovered $3,375,576 for a construction worker who was injured on the job – one of the highest construction case verdicts in New York in 2010. Please contact us at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). 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