A Queens, NY, construction accident lawyer may be following a workplace accident to determine whether legal action is the appropriate next step. Working on a construction site is among the most hazardous jobs a person can do. No matter the safety precautions taken to mitigate the risk of an accident, construction workers are still at risk of experiencing an accident and subsequent injuries. Following an injury, victims may suffer extensive injuries that cause physical pain and impact their financial livelihood. Assistance from a firm like Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C can play a crucial role in supporting victims who are considering legal action. The following are tips that employers and employees should take to reduce the risk of devastating workplace accidents that construction workers are susceptible to:
Tip #1: Engage in Safety Training
Because construction sites are among the most hazardous places to work, it’s critical to ensure that regular, mandatory training is provided to employees. Training ensures safety and regulatory compliance and that policies are enforced. Employees must attend regular safety training regardless of how long they have been in the industry. When employers take the time to invest in training their workers, it’s possible to reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
Tip #2: Wear Proper Protective Clothing
Proper clothing and protective gear can help to protect the body when working on a construction site. Workers should wear steel toe, slip-resistant boots, hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves when on a construction site. Accidents happen all the time, and protective gear can help to reduce the potential consequences an injured victim may experience.
Tip #3: Have Daily Safety Meetings
Job sites involve several variations of work, all of which can have a variety of hazards. Daily safety meetings can allow employers and employees to discuss daily tasks, review the potential hazards, and ensure everyone receives clear instructions. In addition, a construction supervisor can review safety regulations to ensure workers remain safe and the job site is in compliance.
Tip #4: Ensure Regular Breaks
When workers are deprived of breaks, they can become fatigued. While construction projects usually involve tight timeframes, it’s vital to ensure employees take breaks. Construction work involves heavy manual labor, and when workers do not take proper breaks, they are at higher risk of experiencing an accident in the workplace.
Managing a Workplace Accident with a Lawyer
Victims of construction accidents should consider speaking with a lawyer to ensure that their rights remain intact after an accident resulting in injuries. Typically when a work-related injury has occurred, victims will need to accept workers’ compensation. Depending upon the state, workers’ compensation may be available through their employer or the state’s compensation fund.
Workers’ compensation offers victims benefits that may include payment for lost wages, medical expenses, disability payments, and more. However, sometimes these benefits may not allow a person to be made whole after an accident. In addition, there may be other complications, such as circumstances where the employer disputes the claim or when a workers’ compensation claim is denied. While a Queens, NY construction accident lawyer can assist victims by ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to, they can also carefully examine the case to determine whether the victim is eligible for a third-party claim. Third-party claims occur when someone other than the employer was responsible for the accident. Third-party claims can involve defective equipment, contractors, car accidents, and more.
Work-related accidents are not always as straightforward as they appear. Managing complexities and financial difficulty when recovering from injuries, victims should consider the services of a legal professional to examine the case and provide legal representation.
