A construction worker, on scaffolding three stories high, was working on securing a concrete slab to a window façade, when he was struck in the head by a falling concrete slab yesterday.  According to an article in the Democrat and Chronicle, the man was treated at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for his injuries.

Unfortunately, accidents like this happen all too often in New York and across the United States.  The man was fortunate in that he did not fall from the blow to the head, and suffered only minor injuries.  The Rochester, Watertown, Elmira and Syracuse areas employ a high number of construction workers, and our Rochester construction accident injury lawyers remind these workers to stay alert when on the job.

Thousands of U.S. workers die each year and millions more become injured or disabled from simply doing their jobs.  In New York State alone, nearly 250,000 workers each year are reported ill or injured on-the-job, and in the most recent year reported, more than 220 lost their lives, according to the New York Department of Health. The majority of workplace illnesses, injuries and deaths are preventable.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports construction accidents represented one-fifth of all worker deaths in private industry in the United States in 2010.  The Department identified four dangers in the workplace that were responsible for more than half of construction worker deaths in 2010. The four hazards are:

• Falls;
• Electrocutions;
• Struck by objects;
• Caught in/between objects or machinery.

The good news is nationally fatal work injuries in construction have declined every year since 2006 and are down nearly 40 percent over that time.  However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, even with the lower fatal injury total, construction accounted for more fatal work injuries than any other industry in 2010.

New York employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace for workers. Construction companies are required by law to inspect each worksite to ensure worker safety.  When they fail to do so, an injured worker may have legal rights to seek compensation in addition to receiving workers’ compensation.  It’s important to understand your legal rights.

Contact Our NY Construction Accident Lawyers Today

Experience counts.  If you or a loved one has suffered injuries on-the-job in New York, contact the Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP  today for a review of your case. There is no cost to you for the initial call.

Call our 24-hour answering service at (800) 825-5229 or submit our online contact form.  We have offices in Rochester, Elmira, Syracuse, Watertown or online at www.1800talklaw.com and can help you for any type of accident or product negligence.