Construction workers are faced with substantial physical risks every day, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created an additional threat to workers’ health and safety. As a partially essential industry in New York, companies must take extensive precautionary measures to protect workers against the risks associated with the coronavirus and potential physical injury on the job. Here, the New York construction accident attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. discuss safety guidelines for construction workers in New York and how our team can assist you if you have fallen victim to a construction injury.
Construction Companies Adjust Timelines and Precautions for COVID Safety
As many companies pivoted in response to COVID-19 and implemented stricter safety measures, such as remote work and sanitation initiatives, the construction industry faced the challenge of implementing these measures while trying to maintain productivity. In New York, construction is considered essential if it is directly related to a necessary field, such as construction for a hospital or other medical facility. However, construction is not deemed “necessary” in other sectors such as retail, and many companies have postponed their planning and construction efforts as a precautionary measure. In addition to the hazard assessment requirements through OSHA, construction companies take a comprehensive approach to these assessments by incorporating COVID-related risks and hazards on the worksite.
Safety Guidelines for Employers and Workers Provided by Various Organizations
In New York State, OSHA exercises authority over private sectors and federal government workers. However, state and local government workers are overseen by PESH, or the Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau. These organizations have initiated standards for construction workers to remain safe as they work on various job sites. These documents include mandatory standards and best practices for construction workers to employ daily, helping keep employees and patrons safe while ensuring needed work gets completed. Construction companies should also consider how construction affects masks and breathing quality for workers. Workers who may be exposed to harsh chemicals, additional debris, or excessive moisture can suffer negative effects or injury from improper or unclean masks.
Construction Injury Attorneys Will Protect Your Rights After Injury
The coronavirus can exacerbate certain construction risks, including additional toxic exposure from harmful chemicals if your mask is contaminated. Additionally, unfinished structures built as a precaution for COVID-19 exposure pose additional risk for many construction workers. As the workforce’s average age continues to steadily rise, the construction industry is not immune to these trends. Construction workers are an average of 42.5 years old, and it is estimated that construction workers over the age of 55 make up approximately 22% of the workforce. With COVID-19 predominantly affecting the immunocompromised and persons of an older age, appropriate COVID-19 precautions outlined by the CDC must be followed on the job site to prevent our essential New York construction workforce from contracting the novel virus.
Consult the New York Personal Injury Attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C.
The pandemic has affected our livelihood in many ways, and if you or a loved one is injured as a result of negligent construction practices, it is vital that you seek professional counsel. The construction injury attorneys at SPBMCC have recovered over $2 billion for our clients in the past decade, and make it our top priority to fight for you. It is important to note that the New York courts are still open and functioning and that you can fight for your claim now. The New York personal injury attorneys at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., assure you that you should proceed with your construction injury claim if another party was negligent in protecting you or your employees. To file a construction injury claim, contact SPBMCC’s New York offices today. Learn more about filing a personal injury claim with SPBMCC here.