Falls are one of the top risks on New York construction sites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls are the number one cause of death on construction job sites. Anytime you are working at a height four feet or more off the ground, you increase your risk of a fall accident.
There are many hazards in the workplace that lead to such accidents. This can include not following safety protocol or regulations, such as using scaffolding. In many cases, accidents happen because workers are not using the correct type of safety protection for the situation they are working in. Some accidents may happen due to not paying attention to your surroundings or not being aware of risks in the area, such as a skylight or drop off. Misusing safety equipment is another issue. Not properly anchoring ladders, not wearing a harness correctly or trying to use improperly built scaffolding are all examples of this.
The best way to avoid a fall accident on a construction site is to get proper safety training. Your employer should offer such training to help you understand how and when to use safety equipment, along with the safety protocols you need to observe when working at heights. In addition, your employer should provide you with the proper safety gear and equipment. Finally, just staying alert and aware can decrease your risks of a fall. It is also important to report safety concerns or situations that you have seen. This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
