“Green Jobs” Produce New Hazards
Green jobs are a relatively new branch of the construction industry. They are broadly defined as jobs that have the least negative impact on and even work to benefit the environment. These projects include solar panel construction, wind energy systems, weathering systems, biofuels, recycling, and geo-thermal energy projects, just to name a few.
In addition to a whole new range of construction standards and practices, green jobs produce new risks as well. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed a resource for employers and workers within this new industry.
According to the official website:
Green jobs are being defined broadly as jobs that help to improve the environment. These jobs also create opportunities to help revitalize the economy and get people back to work. Green jobs do not necessarily mean that they are safe jobs. Workers in the green industries may face hazards that are commonly known in workplaces — such as falls, confined spaces, electrical, fire, and other similar hazards. These hazards may be new to many workers who are moving into fast-growing green industries. Additionally, workers may be exposed to new hazards which may not have been previously identified. For example, workers in the solar energy industry may be exposed to Cadmium Telluride, a known carcinogen, if adequate controls are not implemented.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. In addition, the Act’s General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. In the absence of an OSHA standard, OSHA can enforce the General Duty Clause. OSHA standards cover many of the hazards in green industries and employers must use the necessary controls to protect workers. Click on the industry icon on [the OSHA website] to get more information about some of the hazards in the industry and the OSHA standards that may apply.
A key concept for all industries, but especially those that are just beginning to grow, is “Prevention through Design (PtD)” – designing the process/equipment in a way that eliminates hazards to the workers who use them. Employers should have a system in place where safety and health professionals work with design engineers in “designing out” hazards throughout the design phase of their products. See NIOSH’s efforts on PtD and its blog on green jobs.
Being environmentally responsible doesn’t necessarily mean being safe. Whether you work at a site that is dedicated to ecologically conscious practices or not, steps must be taken to keep the site as safe as possible.
With over 150 years of combined experience, the attorneys with the Ginarte Law Firm understand the construction industry is always growing and changing. With all of this growth, the risk of construction accidents in New York or New Jersey is always present.
When you are involved in a New York or New Jersey construction accident, your jobsite injuries can be life-altering. Our NY / NJ workplace injury attorneys may be able to assist you in getting compensated for those injuries.
Contact our construction accident attorneys today for a risk-free consultation and to discuss your legal options. Call (888) GINARTE today or use our online contact form.
