Starting April 29 2013, experts in the construction industry will kick off New York Construction Safety Week with the 2013 “Build Safe/Live Safe” conference at the New York Marriott Downtown in Lower Manhattan.
Department of Buildings engineers will lead the conference, and attendees will include experts in the construction industry as well as architects and others who have an interest in building safety in the Big Apple. The conference will focus on recent trends and visions of future developments in the New York City construction industry.
Safety courses will cover topics such as:
- Powering electric cranes
- Developing high rises in flood zones
- Maintaining and repairing elevators
Anyone involved in the construction industry in New York City is undoubtedly aware that construction safety is a huge issue. Despite a finite amount of land, construction projects in New York City never end. Old buildings are torn down to make way for new high rises, while older landmarks are repaired and restored to their original glory. For those who make their living in construction, the activity is a good thing. But it also means that construction accidents are common in New York City.
Statistics released by the Mayor’s Office tell the story of construction accidents in NYC. Although construction accidents fell 18 percent from 2010 to 2011, they jumped 31 percent from 2011 to 2012. In fiscal year 2012, there were 157 construction site accidents in New York City, which resulted in 187 injuries – an increase of more than than 40 percent from the previous year. In 2011, five people lost their lives as a result of accidents on construction sites in NYC.
One major concern among industry experts is the lack of oversight on NYC construction sites. As accidents and injuries rise, city staffing to oversee safety laws and regulations has declined. In just three years, the number of inspections at NYC constructions sites dropped 40 percent, which may be a contributing factor in the increased number of accidents and injuries.
Ultimately, employers, property owners, and contractors are responsible for keeping construction sites safe, which is the focus of the Build Safe/Live Safe Conference.
If you have been injured as a result of a New York construction accident, workers’ compensation may not be enough. You could be entitled to third-party compensation in lieu of, or in addition to, workers’ compensation. The New York/New Jersey accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd can help you determine your legal options. Contact the firm today at 888-446-2783 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.