All construction workers are at risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries, but some specialized workers are at even greater risk of an accident. For example, New York iron and steel workers risk falls from heights, hot work injuries, and other bodily harm as they erect the framework for skyscrapers and bridges. If the safety regulations set by state and local authorities are not followed to the letter, workers may be able to file a claim to recover their past and future losses.

Section 23 Regulations for Structural Steel Assembly on Construction Sites

NY Labor Law 241 requires owners and contractors to make construction sites as safe as possible for workers. Under Section 241(6), owners and contractors have a duty to New York City Construction Site Accident Lawyer Hofmann & Schweitzercomply with any rules made by the Commissioner of the Department of Labor to carry out the provisions of the law.

The Department of Labor has created specific construction safety rules in Part 23 of the New York Industrial Code to protect people employed in construction, demolition or excavation work. Part 23-2.3 dictates how employers should protect employees during work involving structural steel.

Part 23 requirements for structural steel assembly include the following provisions:

Safe placing of the structural steel members.

When the final placing of structural steel members is in progress, loads must not be released from hoisting ropes until all members have been securely fastened in place. Structural steel members must not be forced into place by hoisting machines when any employee, worker, or other person is in the area where injury could occur.

Safe placing of open web steel joists.

If open web steel joists are hoisted singly, they must be transferred from their place of storage directly to their permanent location. These loads must not be released from the hoisting rope until they have been secured against dislodgment, and bundles of these joists must be placed in a way that prevents accidental dislodgment while being hoisted. The individual joists must be distributed to and securely placed in their permanent positions immediately upon the release of the ties or straps from the bundle.

Secure loading.

No loads may be placed on open web steel joists unless the joists have been permanently located and secured, including the installation of required bridging.

Integrity of structural steel members.

No load-bearing structural steel member may be materially weakened by holing, cutting, or by any other means except in accordance with the advice of the designer or a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of New York.

Tag lines.

If steel panels or structural steel members are being hoisted, tag lines must be provided and used to prevent swaying, swinging, or other uncontrolled movement of these panels or members.

Erection of lintels.

If exterior metal lintels are to be erected in steel or concrete frame buildings (or other structures) after the permanent floors have been installed, a suitable scaffold must be constructed and installed in compliance with this Part. An appropriate scaffold must be provided and used unless each person engaged in the work of erecting such lintels is provided with and wears an approved safety belt or harness in compliance with this Part.

Tandem loads.

Suspension of tandem loads from the boom or hook of any crane or derrick over any area or location where persons regularly or occasionally work or pass is prohibited.

Let Us Guide You After a Construction Site Injury

If you or someone you love was injured on a New York construction site, you only have a short period of time to bring a lawsuit against your company or a third party. If your employer, general contractor, or another negligent person was directly responsible for safety violations that led to your suffering, you could be owed significant compensation for your medical bills, disability, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The construction injury attorneys at Hofmann & Schweitzer have helped numerous construction workers and their families get the payment they deserve after an accident on the job. Contact us today to have us advise you on your next steps, or learn more about your rights in our FREE guide, Hurt in a Construction Accident? You’re Not Alone.

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.

 

Timothy F. Schweitzer
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Personal injury lawyer specializing in maritime, construction and railroad injury claims.
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