Proper safety training is a key factor in preventing accidents at construction sites. Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions, and most accidents are preventable if the right safety steps are taken. Employers and contractors have a duty to ensure that all workers on their sites have the appropriate training to keep everyone safe. If an employee is injured due to improper training, they may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Common Situations Where Improper Training Leads to Injuries
New York City law requires that all employees on a construction site have a minimum of 30 hours of safety training. By September 1, 2020, the number of required hours will increase to 40. This is a step in the right direction. However, not all employers and contractors are providing the necessary training. Some common situations where a lack of training is leading to accidents include:
- Failure to train employees on the proper use of new equipment
- Failure to train employees on the use of existing equipment
- Failure to identify site-specific hazards
- Failure to train on fall prevention techniques
- Failure to train on proper lifting techniques
- Failure to train employees on the appropriate use of safety gear
- Failure to educate employees on applicable safety regulations
- Failure to enforce attendance at training sessions
- Failure to perform refresher training
- Hiring employees who are unqualified for their position
Any of these situations can lead to serious construction accidents. If an employee isn’t adequately informed about how to prevent accidents, then all employees are in danger on the job site. An employee may not intend to injure their co-worker, but if they have not been trained on safety techniques, then they may not know how to react in an emergency situation. It is the employer, property owner, or contractor’s obligation to make sure, for the safety of everyone, that there are no employees on the worksite that have not been provided safety training. If they fail to do so, then the employer, property owner, or contractor may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Contact a Construction Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may want an experienced injury attorney on your side. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping injured construction workers for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.