East-Side Scaffolding Collapse Rescue
Seeing workers on scaffolding is a daily occurrence in cities of New York and New Jersey. It’s a wonder with so many high-rise workers that there aren’t more accidents. Just a few weeks ago, three workers working on scaffolding on an Upper East Side residential building had to be rescued.
The three workers were reported to be working on the brick façade near the 17th floor when the scaffold fell, leaving it dangling at a 75-degree angle according to the NY Daily News.
All three were rescued when pulled into nearby windows. One was treated for minor injuries at New York Presbyterian Hospital. That’s relatively remarkable considering that the risk for serious injury was high.
Officials say that a cable may have slipped on the mounted motor that was located on the roof. This would account for one side of the scaffold slipping as it did.
With so many high-rise buildings and construction work, it’s a wonder more scaffold falls don’t happen in the city. This is due to the strict adherence to safety measures followed by the workers who spend their time above most of our heads.
All three workers in this particular case were wearing their safety harnesses. Had one been adjusting his harness at the time or even working without such a precaution, the 17-story fall would have no doubt proved fatal.
Construction site falls account for a large percentage of construction-related accidents and deaths throughout the country. Even when all safety precautions are taken, accidents happen and sometimes tragedy strikes.
What if the harness was faulty? What would have happened if the anchoring hardware failed when the scaffold fell?
You can take every preventative step to minimize the risk, but at least some risk will always remain.
As a New York or New Jersey construction worker, you rely on your employer to provide you with the tools and equipment necessary to minimize the risk of injury as much as possible. This includes well-maintained machinery and hardware, but also the safety equipment to ensure that you have a safeguard when the equipment does fail. Good harnesses are just one example of this.
When you work for a company who cuts corners or one who simply can’t provide all of the precautions necessary for you and your coworkers’ safety, your risk of injury rises.
Falls are relatively common. When you fall from several stories or just a few feet, your injuries can leave you hospitalized, out of work, and permanently damaged.
Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the attorneys at Ginarte Law Firm today to discuss your case and the options available to you. We’ve been helping injured NY / NJ construction workers for years and we know what you are going through.
Call 888-GINARTE today for a consultation or use our online contact form.
