Construction maintenance crews work tirelessly to keep New York’s subways running around the clock. Their work is high-risk and challenging, and their safety should never be an afterthought. In the rush to keep the city moving, we must remember that these workers’ safety needs to be a top priority, every single day.
That’s why if you or a loved one has been injured on a subway construction site, the seasoned attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are ready to fight for you. Call us now at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation online today. Alternatively, please keep reading about New York construction safety below.
Are There Laws For New York Construction Worker Safety?
Subway construction is governed by a web of federal and city regulations designed to protect workers from harm. These rules aren’t just suggestions; they’re the law.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets comprehensive standards for construction sites, covering everything from the proper use of safety harnesses and hard hats to the handling of hazardous materials.
New York City adds another layer of protection with the Department of Buildings’ specific regulations for construction within the city. These regulations acknowledge the unique risks present in subway construction.
Think about it: You’re working underground, often in tight spaces, with heavy machinery and potential exposure to electrical hazards. The rules are there to make sure companies take the necessary precautions to keep workers safe.
Key safety protocols for subway construction include but aren’t limited to:
- Ensuring proper excavation and trenching practices to prevent cave-ins.
- Requiring fall protection measures like guardrails and safety nets.
- Implementing strict electrical safety protocols to prevent shocks and electrocution.
- Providing clear communication and training to ensure workers understand the hazards and how to mitigate them.
When companies fail to follow these rules, the consequences can be devastating. Workers can get seriously hurt or worse. That’s where Schwartzapfel Lawyers comes in.
Our skilled team of knowledgeable attorneys has a deep understanding of New York construction law and a proven track record of getting results for injured workers. We know how to hold negligent parties accountable and get you all the money and benefits you deserve.
Don’t wait — reach out today by dialing 516-342-2200 or by scheduling your free consultation online now.
What Are Common Hazards In Subway Construction Work?
Subway construction isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s tough, demanding work, often done in the shadows, quite literally. Still, the people who build and maintain these vital transportation hubs face hazards every day that most of us never even consider.
Subterranean Threats
Digging deep underground beneath existing buildings and busy streets creates the constant threat of collapses and cave-ins. The unstable earth, weight of the city above, and rumble of passing trains are a recipe for disaster if workers and the city don’t take proper precautions.
Frequently, thorough engineering surveys and rock-solid support systems are the only obstacles standing between workers and a potential burial in tons of debris.
Even the air you breathe underground can be dangerous. Electrical hazards, from exposed wires to faulty equipment, are an ever-present threat in subway construction.
In the damp, often cramped tunnels, a simple shock can turn deadly in an instant. That’s why rigorous safety procedures, like lockout/tagout systems and proper grounding, are so crucial.
Sky-High Dangers
Subway construction often also means workers are high above the ground on scaffolding or platforms with only a harness to protect them from a devastating fall. It’s a long way down, and one wrong step could be their last. Guardrails, safety nets, and those harnesses are lifelines, but they only work if they’re in place and used correctly.
Ground-Level Considerations
On the ground, workers encounter a different kind of danger. Heavy equipment, moving vehicles, and falling debris are constant threats, and a moment’s distraction can have dire consequences.
Protective barriers, bright clothing, and strict rules about who goes where and when keep workers safe from being struck by something they didn’t see coming.
The harsh reality is that subway construction is a risky business. That doesn’t mean accidents are a sure thing. On the contrary, many are avoidable, but prevention requires proper training, planning, and safety measures.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a subway construction accident, please know that you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The experienced team at Schwartzapfel Lawyers understands the unique risks of this work and will fight tirelessly to get you all the money and benefits you’re entitled to.
But you shouldn’t wait, as your window to file a claim and recover financially may soon close forever. To keep that from happening, act now and protect your tomorrows starting today!
What Are Construction Companies’ Roles In Ensuring Worker Safety?
Subway construction is a risky business, no doubt about it. But that’s no excuse for cutting corners when it comes to New York construction safety. Construction companies have a big responsibility here, and it goes way beyond just following the rules.
Comprehensive Safety Planning And Risk Assessment
A safety plan keeps workers out of harm’s way. However, the plan has to be detailed and thorough to be effective. It needs to cover every potential hazard on the job site and present practical solutions to minimize them.
Maybe a tunnel wall needs to be reinforced to prevent a collapse, or protocols need to be developed for the safe handling of hazardous materials. Even making sure there’s enough lighting is a big deal. The point is to anticipate problems before they happen, not react to them after someone gets hurt.
Regular Safety Inspections And Audits
A high-quality safety plan is useless if it’s just gathering dust on a shelf. Regular inspections and audits ensure that the plan is actually working, workers are following safety procedures, and any new hazards are identified and addressed quickly.
Proper Training And Supervision Of Workers
Every worker, from the most seasoned veteran to the newest hire, needs to understand the risks involved in their job and how to mitigate them.
Regular refreshers, updates on new equipment or procedures, and open communication about safety concerns are all part of creating a workforce that’s knowledgeable and empowered to keep themselves and their colleagues safe.
Maintaining A Culture Of Safety
Beyond rules and regulations, a truly safe work environment comes down to the culture of the company. When safety is a core value, it shows in everything from the way meetings are conducted to the way problems are solved.
It means workers feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns without fear of retaliation, safe practices are rewarded and recognized, and workers across all levels of the company understand that safety isn’t just a priority — it’s the foundation of a business’s success.
How Can Workers Get Help After A Subway Construction Accident?
Even with the best New York construction safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. When they do, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, you might not be able to work, and the stress of it all can take a serious toll. But you’re not alone.
If you’re injured on the job in a subway construction accident, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Having these benefits can make a world of difference. For one, they can help cover your medical expenses, which in and of itself is invaluable. What’s more, workers’ comp benefits can also replace some of your lost wages and provide other financial assistance.
But the workers’ compensation system can be a tricky one. There are deadlines to meet, paperwork to file, and sometimes the insurance company might try to deny your claim or minimize your benefits. That’s where having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference.
The skilled attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers understand the ins and outs of workers’ compensation law. We help our clients file claims, we gather evidence, and we fight for the full benefits they’re entitled to.
If we think more than one party is responsible for your accident, we can also help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover for your pain, suffering, and other damages.
Protect Your Rights With Schwartzapfel Lawyers!
Subway construction is vital to keeping New York City moving, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of worker safety. Construction companies have a legal and moral obligation to protect workers. When that obligation is violated, catastrophic consequences can follow.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a subway construction accident, please don’t delay in reaching out to Schwartzapfel Lawyers. One phone call could save you miles of headache, heartache, and financial strain down the road.
Your future is worth fighting for. And so it’s absolutely critical that you act now, as your window of opportunity may soon close forever.
No matter your situation, if you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s fault, please call Schwartzapfel Lawyers today at 516-342-2200 for a free consultation and so much more!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Construction Industry | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Electrical – Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
SUBWAY CONSTRUCTION THEN & NOW | New York Transit Museum
The Most Expensive Mile of Subway Track on Earth | The New York Times
