Construction Accident – Falling Debris

CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT FROM FALLING DEBRIS

New York is famous for its skyscrapers, and for the construction of monumental buildings.  Every day we see a building torn down, and a new one coming up to replace it. We are so used to seeing construction work, without considering the danger to the workers that risk their lives to toil way up in the sky to make these projects come alive.  Construction work presents dangers not only to workers, but to bystanders that can be injured by falling tools and debris. When these mistakes happen, the owners and contractors are liable for the consequences. If if you’ve been injured in a construction accident from falling debris, that’s when it’s time to speak to a falling debris construction accident lawyer, who can help you collect compensation.

WHERE DO FALLING DEBRIS CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?

Despite efforts to enclose and make off construction sites, debris and falling objects cannot read signs, and sometimes escape these perimeters.  That’s why it’s important to use caution and common sense when walking by construction sites.

SIDEWALKS BENEATH SCAFFOLDING ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS

When you have a choice, try not to walk underneath scaffolding.  Sometimes the scaffolding is not secure, and collapses and injures both the workers and pedestrians walking below.  If you must walk beneath scaffolding, check to see if it seems sturdy, and notice whether there is a license for the construction work displayed.

HIGH RISE CONSTRUCTION

Due to the very high elevation of this work, it is not possible to fully protect people on the ground.  Occasionally, a high rise under construction collapses, causing catastrophic injuries to construction workers and serious injuries to people on the ground.  More commonly, raw materials, tools, and other objects will fall and injure people on the ground. Whenever possible, try to walk as far away from a construction site as possible, recognizing this danger.  The high walls around the construction site cannot fully protect you because when something falls from a great height, the wind can carry it far away from this perimeter.

CONSTRUCTION ON THE SIDES OF BUILDING

Steer clear of buildings with scaffolding on the sides!  Whether there in ongoing “pointing” or window installation, this scaffolding is not always secure, and loose items can make there way down to the ground very quickly.  People have sustained catastrophic injuries from falling windows and window parts, and other construction materials when work is being done on the sides of buildings.

WHAT TYPES OF DEBRIS SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

  • Windows and Glass Panels are the most dangerous, and the leading cause of catastrophic injuries from items falling from construction sites.
  • Tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, drills and hammers that are not properly secured can cause severe or catastrophic injuries from the force of falling from great heights.
  • Boards and wooden panels can break away from scaffolding and from their installation site on a building.
  • Concrete can be expelled when the floor a construction area collapses when it is poured improperly or at the wrong temperature.

PREVENTING FALLING DEBRIS ACCIDENTS

Accidents from falling debris are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries from construction accidents.  It’s not possible to completely prevent these accidents, but there are steps that can be taken to greatly reduce their likelihood.

SIGNAGE

New York City requires that all construction sites be blocked off and marked.  There is also a requirement for adequate signage to warn people of danger. In fact, The New York City Department of Buildings has very specific requirements for signage.

SIDEWALK SHED AND CONSTRUCTION FENCES

Signage requirements include an emphasis on the type of work underway and must provide contact information.  There are more detailed requirements for specific types of work such as demolition that can be found in NYC Building Code §3301.9.  New projects must include a rendering, elevation drawing of the building (or zoning diagram of the exterior of the building,) a description of the project, it’s estimated completion date, owner and contractor contact information and the the Department of Buildings Permit.  It should be noted that the requirements for one, two and three family homes are less stringent.

BARRICADES

Increasing the size of barricaded areas has been known to decrease the likelihood of injuries to bystanders.  It is not always practical to have larger barricades, but they should be employed whenever possible. Liability can arise from a barricade that is not reasonably large enough for a site.

INSPECTIONS

Frequent inspections of construction sites and all materials and equipment is the responsibility of the owner and contractor at a construction site.  When faulty materials are used, accidents happen more frequently. There is a non-delegable duty to inspect materials, and not just rely on the vendors to provide safe materials.

PROPERLY SECURING MATERIALS

Accidents are often caused by failing to secure tools and objects properly.  Materials falling from construction projects are usually caused by failure to properly secure objects, that are left loose and fall when workers step on them or bump into them.

NETTING

The installation of netting and other barriers to prevent objects from falling onto the street prevents many accidents, but not all owners and contractors are willing to invest in the cost of such devices.

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES HAVE A DUTY TO MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Contractors are obligated to maintain a safe work site for their workers and also for bystanders.  When accidents happen, a construction accident attorney will thoroughly all the procedures that were used to see if what should have to keep the site safe.  When a contractor fails to use proper safety procedures, they are liable for the consequences of their actions.

If you have been injured in a construction accident from falling debris, you have a duty to hold construction companies liable for the injuries caused by “cutting corners” on safety.  A construction accident attorney can help you obtain compensation for yourself, and also send a message to construction companies that keep in them honest.  Call Wittenstein & Wittenstein for a free consultation at 718-261-8114

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