It’s no secret that construction is a dangerous job but any time the pressure to meet a deadline or come in under budget outweighs the safety of individuals accidents are bound to happen. Unfortunately, that truth was illustrated with tragic clarity late last month as two separate fall from heights accidents in New York City killed two workers in one day.
•· Both accidents happened on Thursday September 21th.
•· Both were falls from heights in Manhattan jobsites.
•· And, preliminary reports suggest, both were preventable.
The first worker was killed when he fell from the 29th floor of a high-rise tower under construction in Manhattan. He was a 43-year-old father of five. A native of Ecuador who followed the American Dream to The Big Apple, lured by the promise of steady work, decent pay, and job security in NYC’s booming construction trade.
The second fall from heights in Manhattan happened just hours later when an unidentified man fell roughly 35 feet down an external elevator shaft.
Investigation of these tragic fall from heights accidents in Manhattan accident as to whether proper safety procedures and equipment were employed and will go over jobsite records in detail to spot any deadly deficiencies. Regulations exist mandating the use of barriers, fall arrest equipment, and regular site inspect to prevent such falls. Falls are one of OSHA’s “Fatal Four”-construction accidents responsible for more deaths than any others in New York City.
New York Labor Law requires the use of specific safety equipment and holds property owners and general contractors absolutely liable for the accident in the event there is a failure to use this equipment or the equipment isn’t adequate.
If you have been injured in a fall at a jobsite in the city, having an experienced fall from heights accident lawyer in New York City on your side is the best and may be only way to get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering and past and future lost wages.