OSHA Regulations and Construction Safety in New York

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration plays an important role in ensuring the safety of construction workers across the State of New York. Known simply as “OSHA,” this administration sets a number of rules, conducts inspections, and investigates accidents. It also makes certain recommendations – such as the adoption of new and improved safety equipment. Perhaps OSHA’s most important role, however, is the enforcement of various regulations. Companies in New York must adhere to these rules, and they face serious consequences if they fail in this regard. What are the most important OSHA regulations in the New York construction industry, and what can you do if you were hurt due to a safety violation?

Fall Protection

One of the most frequently cited standards for OSHA involves falls and fall protection. There are a number of rules that apply specifically to construction workers operating at heights. These include not only workers on high-rises, but also a range of residential tradespeople (most notably roofers). Generally speaking, as soon as a worker begins operating at a height of more than four feet, the contractor is legally required to provide them with fall protection. In shipyards, this requirement is extended to five feet. In the construction industry, however, this limit goes even further – to six feet. Longshoremen are allowed to work at the highest altitudes without fall protection, and they do not legally need this safety equipment until they operate at levels of eight feet.

What exactly is fall protection according to OSHA standards? The administration highlights a number of examples, and perhaps the simplest option is a guardrail system. Workers may not require extensive harnesses and other equipment if the contractor puts a guardrail in place. Another example is a safety net, which is designed to catch falling workers before they suffer injuries. Safety nets cannot be installed more than 30 feet below the working area, however. Some workers require personal fall arrest systems, which include harnesses, anchored points, and connectors. Another similar piece of technology is a fall restraint system. OSHA also mentions a number of other ways to stop falls, such as covering up holes with plywood. It is important to note that proper fall protection training is just as important as fall prevention equipment.

Hazard Communication

Another common citation for construction contractors in New York involves hazard communication. This is essentially a labeling system for chemicals and other hazardous materials in the workplace. A wide range of these materials may be present at any given construction site, and workers must be aware of their presence to ensure top levels of safety. For example, a flammable material must be clearly labeled so that a nearby welder does not unwittingly send sparks toward it. This could obviously cause a serious explosion.

Chemical exposure is also a serious issue in construction sites across New York. Often, workers only discover that they have been exposed to various toxins decades after working at construction sites. By this point, it is far too late to avoid serious health issues – such as cancer.

Respiratory Protection

Construction workers often come into contact with a wide variety of airborne hazards – including dust, fumes, chemicals, gases, and so on. Many are surprised to learn that dust represents one of the most serious hazards for workers. Of particular note is “silica dust” – which floats into the air as workers grind concrete. OSHA classifies this “respirable crystalline silica” as a serious health hazard that can lead to lung disease, lung cancer, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Construction contractors must provide affected workers with effective respirators if they face these types of hazards. These respirators must meet very strict standards set forth by OSHA.

Scaffolding Regulations

OSHA also has very specific scaffolding regulations for the construction industry. If scaffolding is used by contractors, it must adhere to specific measurements set forth by OSHA. It must also have slip-resistant surfaces, guardrails, midrails, toeboards, and other features. Note that the Scaffolding Law in New York means that workers can file personal injury lawsuits directly against their employers for many scaffolding accidents.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Construction Accident Attorney in New York

If you have been searching for an experienced construction accident attorney in New York, look no further than David Resnick & Associates, P.C. Over the years, we have represented numerous injured construction workers throughout New York City. We know how life-altering construction accidents can be, and we recognize the importance of pursuing compensation. With our help, you can cover your missed wages, medical expenses, and other damages. Call today to schedule your free consultation today to see how we can assist you.

Related Links:

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Author: David Resnick

Founder of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., a New York personal injury law firm in charge of providing exceptional and personal service to each of our clients in various areas including car accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, construction accidents, and premises liability. David Resnick founded the firm in 1998 after working in large law firms where he saw a need for greater client communication and more personal care.