Construction Accidents Caused by Negligent Training
Construction accidents in New York can happen for many different reasons, and various parties can engage in negligent behavior or omissions that result in serious injuries to workers. In many circumstances, accidents happen because of improper or negligent training. In other words, employers have a duty to ensure that construction workers receive the safety training they need to prevent accidents and injuries that are avoidable on construction sites. When improper or negligent training results in serious injuries, it may be possible to hold a construction site employer accountable under New York Labor Law in addition to seeking compensation through the workers’ compensation system. Our New York construction accident lawyers can tell you more about accidents caused by negligent training.
Construction Worker Safety Training
Safety training is necessary on New York construction sites, and proper training may be able to prevent a range of accidents, including but not limited to:
● Falls, including both slips and falls, and falls from heights;
● Caught-in or between accidents;
● Struck-by accidents, including vehicle collisions on construction sites;
● Electrical accidents;
● Trench collapse accidents and cave-ins;
● Machine and equipment accidents; and
● Safety gear malfunctions.
Requirements for Construction Safety Training in New York
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the need for proper safety training and provides a wide range of training materials for construction workers to understand key hazards on construction sites. Certain New York laws also require construction site employers to ensure that workers have completed certain safety training protocols. In New York City, for example, Local Law 196 of 2017 has specific requirements for construction workers. According to that law, construction workers at “most major construction sites” in the city are required to prove that, within the last five years, they have completed OSHA 10 training.
What is OSHA 10 training? According to OSHA, the “10-hour safety course covers general safety and health hazards for entry-level workers.” In addition, construction sites that require a Site Safety Plan also are required to ensure that construction workers at those sites have at least 40 hours minimum of safety training before beginning work. Employers must ensure that workers have the training necessary to prevent serious and fatal injuries on construction sites.
Employer Liability for Negligent Safety Training
Construction workers who are injured on the job as a result of improper training are often eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in New York. In addition, an employer could be liable for failing to provide a safe workplace under New York Labor Law. To determine whether you could be eligible to file a claim against your employer or a general contractor under New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, or 241, you should seek advice from a New York construction accident attorney.
Contact Our Construction Accident Lawyers in New York
If you have questions about employer negligence and when an employer could be liable for improper safety training, it is important to discuss your situation with one of our experienced New York construction accident attorneys. Contact Leitner Varughese, PLLC for more information about construction accident liability and filing a construction accident lawsuit under New York Labor Law.
