As a construction worker, you know you work a dangerous job. But you also expect your employer to take the necessary precautions to prevent injuries on construction sites.
Unfortunately, not all construction managers are diligent in preventing accidents and injuries. You need to be aware of numerous hidden hazards on construction sites to keep yourself safe.
Learn about the hidden dangers common on NYC construction sites. If you’re a construction site accident victim, contact an NYC construction accident lawyer for legal assistance.
Hidden Safety Hazards on Construction Sites
Numerous safety hazards in construction sites put you at risk whenever you clock into work, but some are more noticeable than others. Being able to recognize hidden safety hazards on the worksite can help you avoid them and protect your safety.
The following are a few hidden safety hazards to be aware of as a construction worker.
Excessive Noise
Many construction workers are unaware of how the consistent, excessive noise of machinery impacts their health and well-being. Loud noises are common on construction sites, and they aren’t just irritating or uncomfortable — they can cause permanent, significant damage to your hearing.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), as many as 52% of construction workers are frequently exposed to loud noises on the job and don’t wear hearing protection. However, repetitive loud noises can cause long-term hearing problems and deafness.
If you’ve ever gone home after a day on the construction site and noticed your ears ringing, this is a sign of hearing damage. Over time, with ongoing exposure to loud noises, this damage worsens.
Noise can also be a hazard on construction sites for the simple reason of being distracting. Workers could lose their focus on the task at hand and make a mistake that leads to injuries.
Airborne Contaminants
Many construction workers are not aware of the dangers of breathing in chemicals, sawdust, and other airborne contaminants prevalent on construction sites. These contaminants can cause a wide range of health problems, including lung problems and even cancer.
Construction workers regularly breathe in the following airborne contaminants:
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Dust and dirt
- Foam insulation
- Paint fumes
- Cadmium
- Silica
According to OSHA, as many as 2.3 million people in the U.S. are exposed to silica in the workplace. Inhaling these particles increases one’s risk of lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease — and this is just one of the many potential airborne hazards on construction sites.
Vibrations
Construction sites often use heavy machinery that creates vibrations when in use. Long-term exposure to vibrations can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and disorders that impact injured construction workers for the rest of their lives.
Exposure to excessive vibrations can lead to conditions like:
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome
- Carpal tunnel
- White fingers
- Decreased grip strength
- Nerve damage
- Numbness and tingling in the affected areas
Hand-arm vibration syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition caused by using vibrating tools. As many as 20% to 50% of workers who use vibrating tools develop this condition.
Unsecured Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a huge hazard in the construction industry. New York State even passed a Scaffold Law to hold employers liable when employees experience scaffolding-related injuries. Your employer has a responsibility to arm scaffolding with the proper safety equipment and ensure the scaffolding is secure before allowing any workers to use it.
Fall accidents are prevalent in New York City construction sites. They can lead to severe injuries, including spinal, head, and neck injuries, permanently disabling workers.
If you’re unsure of the stability of the scaffolding on your construction site or it doesn’t have the proper safety accessories, such as guard rails and tie bars, speak with an NYC construction accident lawyer about your options.
UV Rays
Continual exposure to the sun can be harmful to construction workers.
When working in the summer months, construction workers often have a significant amount of skin exposed, and they may not have time to reapply sunscreen. In the winter, many workers forget to use sunscreen altogether, yet they still experience sun exposure on their faces, necks, and hands. UV rays can also burn the eyes without proper protection.
Overexposure to UV rays can lead to sun poisoning, severe sunburn, and skin cancer. Talk to a construction accident lawyer in New York City about holding your employer accountable for UV overexposure.
Electrocution
Construction workers are also at risk of electrocution on worksites. Electrocution may result from any of the following:
- Faulty wiring
- Overloaded circuits
- Wet conditions
- Contact with power lines
- Lack of ground faults
- Improperly connected extension cords
Electrocution can lead to burns on the skin and internal tissues, sometimes resulting in death. Your construction site should have the measures in place to prevent electrocution and ensure the safe, proper functioning of all electrical equipment and connections.
What Should You Do If You Notice a Safety Hazard?
You may be afraid to speak up about a safety hazard at work, but neglecting to do so could put yourself and your coworkers at risk.
Instead, you should inform your manager of the safety hazard. If they do not immediately take steps to correct it, report the hazard on the NYC 311 Portal or to your local OSHA office. Doing so will prompt an OSHA officer to come to the construction site and inspect it, possibly issuing your employer a fine for the hazard.
A hazard may be overt, such as unsafe scaffolding, or due to a lack of proper safety gear provided by your employer. For example, your employer should provide hearing protection when you’re close to loud machinery.
Who Is Responsible for Accidents Resulting From Safety Hazards?
Are you a victim of a New York City construction accident resulting from a safety hazard? Speak with personal injury lawyers about who is liable for your accident. You may be able to hold your employer directly liable if they violated OSHA construction safety rules or otherwise caused the accident through negligence or a lack of safety equipment.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim bars you from holding your employer directly liable for the accident. As a result, it’s important to speak with an NYC construction accident lawyer before filing your claim. If you’re eligible for a personal injury lawsuit, you could seek all of the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Time off work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
If your employer was acting recklessly when the accident occurred, such as if there was a clear safety hazard they intentionally overlooked, you may qualify for punitive damages as well. These would punish your employer for their wrongdoing, taking money from their bank account.
Consult an NYC Construction Accident Attorney Today
Construction sites shouldn’t be inherently dangerous places. If your employer takes the proper steps to prevent accidents, you should be able to stay safe on the job. Unfortunately, many construction managers overlook important safety measures in the interest of time or money.
If you were injured on a construction site, our NYC construction accident lawyers at William Schwitzer & Associates, PC, can assist you. We can help you pursue compensation through a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit, guiding you through each step of the process to maximize your payout.
Contact our law firm today at 212-683-3800 to answer further questions you may have and to schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney. Then, learn how to make a report in a construction accident.
