Construction projects in the Big Apple are booming. These projects bring jobs to the construction industry, jobs that can provide income to what are arguably some of the hardest working employees in the country.
Unfortunately, these jobs are not always the safest jobs. Everyone in the construction industry knows that there is some risk when building the massive structures New York City is known for. However, these risks should be mitigated through the regulations provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Unfortunately, not every construction company implements these safety regulations.
What happens when regulations are not followed? A few results are likely if regulations are not followed. One possibility involves an investigation by an OSHA official. This investigation would likely uncover the violation and result in penalties and a call to fix the problem.
Another likely outcome is injury to the workers on the site. These injuries can range from severe to minor depending on the violation.
How common are violations? Unfortunately, it appears these violations are fairly common.
Enforcement efforts have gone down in recent years. The New York Daily News discussed this issue, noting inspections of construction sites in the city are down by approximately 27 percent. Critics argue that this decline in inspections has translated to increased violations.
What about those who are injured in construction accidents in New York? Those who are injured in a construction accident are wise to seek legal counsel. Your attorney can advocate for your interests, better ensuring a fair settlement to cover lost wages as well as awards for pain and suffering.
