OSHA Extends Temporary Enforcement Measures for Construction Industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending temporary enforcement measures to prevent falls in the residential construction industry through Dec. 15, 2012. OSHA, which is part of the Department of Labor, is responsible for implementing and enforcing rules and regulations aimed at workplace safety. The temporary enforcement measures were part of residential fall-protective directive that became effective June 15, 2011.
Falls are among the leading causes of injuries in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 666 fatal injuries as a result of falls in 2011, representing about 14 percent of all fatal work injuries that year. Of the total falls, 541 were from a higher level, 38 were from a collapsing structure or equipment, 60 were through a surface or existing opening, and the remaining 108 were on the same level.
Many of the workers injured in falls are construction workers. For this reason, OSHA decided to address the residential construction industry directly by enacting temporary enforcement measures when it announced its residential fall-protective directive.
The temporary enforcement measures are intended to smooth the transition to the new rules and regulations as well as provide additional education and training for those in the residential construction industry. Within the past year, OSHA’s Onsite Consultation Project has performed 2,500 site visits and 925 training sessions, as well as more than 400 presentations on how to protect against falls. The temporary enforcement guidelines include:
- Free on-site compliance assistance
- Penalty reductions
- Extended abatement dates
- Measures to ensure consistency
- Increased outreach
Although many construction accident victims qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, these benefits may not cover the full cost of the injuries. As a result, a worker and his or her family may struggle financially. In some cases, a third party caused, or contributed, to the accident that led to the injuries. For example, negligence by a general contractor, another subcontractor, or the manufacturer of equipment could have contributed to the accident. In that case, the worker may be entitled to compensation through a third-party lawsuit. Compensation may be in addition to, or in place of, workers’ compensation benefits.
A New York/New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help
If you have been injured or lost a family member in a New York or New Jersey construction accident, you may have more than one legal option that will provide compensation. Contact the New York/New Jersey construction accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd to help you choose a legal option. With six offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. For your free consultation, contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 or filling out our online contact form.
