Falls are the number one cause of construction deaths. And most if not all of these falls could have prevented with good safety practices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently conducted a safety stand-down to stress the importance of preventing falls at construction sites.
According to an OSHA press release, the stand-down encompassed New York and New Jersey, where construction accidents frequently make the news.
“Falls continue to be the leading cause of worker deaths, and we need to ensure that top-level management remains committed to supporting effective injury prevention programs” said OSHA’s regional administrator Robert Kulick. “This is an opportunity for OSHA, industry leaders, unions and workers to team up and reinforce the importance of providing fall protection and education for all exposed employees.”
As a construction worker, it’s important that you practice safety. You know there are things you can do to prevent accidents and you should do them every time. But some things are beyond your control. Maintaining a safe work environment is the responsibility of your employer and the owner of the job site. Without their support, your efforts to stay safe may not be as effective.
OSHA sets standards to ensure that employers provide safe and healthful workplaces, as well as proper training and education. When employers fail to adhere to these standards, they can be cited monetarily or even have a job site shut down. Unfortunately, these measures aren’t often taken until a serious accident triggers an investigation.
OSHA investigations can be triggered by observed violations of standards, worker complaints of unsafe conditions, or a death on the job site. Random inspections can also result in in-depth investigations.
Fall prevention requires good training and proper equipment. When your employer isn’t providing these things, you are at an increased risk of injury. If an accident happens, you are the one suffering for your employer’s shortcomings.
New York and New Jersey Construction Fall Attorneys
If you’ve been seriously injured in a fall or other worksite accident, the construction accident lawyers of Ginarte may be able to help. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (888)GINARTE.