Workplace violence is a common cause of occupational injuries across all industries, and many such injuries prove fatal for one or more workers. In 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported that 458 fatal workplace injuries in the United States involved intentional injury by another person, and that many instances of visitor and coworker violence go unreported. The presence of heavy machinery, sharp hand tools, and work at heights makes it all too possible for altercations to turn deadly on a construction site.
Prevention and Liability of Workplace Violence in Construction
There are many different parties who may be liable for a construction injury in New York City. In addition to filing a claim for workers’ compensation, the employee may also file a personal injury claim against his or her attacker. Employers and contractors may also be held responsible for injuries caused by assault if they did not take proper precautions to minimize risks.
Common methods used to limit and prevent violent acts may include:
Zero-tolerance policies.
A zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence is one of the best deterrents of intentional harm to workers. Employers should not tolerate any behavior from workers, visitors, owners, or contractors that carries the potential for injury, including threats, invasion of personal space, menacing, verbal abuse, stalking, or other attempts to cause physical or psychological harm.
Training.
Workers should be trained to recognize violent situations, know how to respond to threats, and to report all potential acts of violence as soon as possible. Training should address violence toward women in construction, as women are subject to a greater number of threats of verbal and physical assaults than male workers.
Reporting.
After an employer or supervisor has received a report of potentially harmful behavior, he or she must take prompt action to protect employees. This may include notifying local authorities, suspending or terminating the dangerous employee, and conducting an internal investigation into the incident.
Have You Been Injured While Working On A Construction Site?
If you've been hurt while working at your construction job you need to speak with an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our New York City law office directly at 212.465.8840 to schedule your free consultation.
You can also read through our FREE brochure, Hurt in a Construction Accident? You’re Not Alone.
|
Related Links: |
