Author: Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP
Scaffold accidents are common at construction sites and the dangers of falling from a scaffold or having objects or debris fall on you while working on a scaffold are a common risk. In fact, the risk of scaffolding accidents is so prevalent that New York State has its own scaffolding law to protect workers’ rights.
A scaffolding accident occurred in Kips Bay on January 8, 2013 where a building was under renovation at Lexington Avenue and 30th Street. CBS News reported that a ceiling collapsed, falling down onto the scaffolding. Two workers suffered serious injury and were taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital and another worker suffered minor injuries. Hangers that had held up a 20 foot by 20 foot section of the ceiling gave way.
This is the second scaffolding accident in Kips Bay within a month. In mid December 2012, gusty winds were blowing and a construction worker lost his balance and fell off a scaffold. A rope and safety harness saved his life as he hung six stories above the ground. Fortunately, he did not suffer any substantial injury.
According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2010 report, an estimated 35 percent of construction site fatalities occur from falls. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports that approximately 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities occur every year that are scaffold-related construction site accidents.
Seek legal help
Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP handles construction site accident cases, including falls from elevations and we work diligently to help our clients recover compensation. If you suffer serious injury in a scaffold, ladder or other construction site accident, consult our experienced lawyers. A Suffolk County construction site accident attorney can evaluate the prospects of pursuing a case.