OSHA Cites Contractor in Connection With Deadly New York Crane Accident

November 02, 2012

New York City's skyline is defined by its skyscrapers. For decades, builders in New York have consistently outdone themselves by constructing buildings that reach heights previously thought unattainable. You can hardly walk down the street in the Big Apple without encountering wide-eyed tourists marveling at these pillars in the sky - although often to the chagrin of many hurried New Yorkers who share the sidewalks with these casual observers.

These model marvels do not come without costs however. The construction of New York skyscrapers is a complex, and often dangerous, endeavor. For example, because of the heights associated with New York construction, there is scarcely a construction site that is without a crane. Tragically, when working with such heavy equipment at such great heights, New York construction accidents inevitably occur.

Manhattan Construction Accident

Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited a contractor for 10 alleged serious violations stemming from a deadly crane accident that occurred in Manhattan earlier this year. Ironically, this accident did not occur while constructing a skyscraper, but instead a subway extension - further illustrating the dangers of working with cranes at any heights.

The accident, which occurred on April 3, resulted in the death of one worker - and injured four others - when a crane belonging to the contractor collapsed near West 34th Street. According to a news release issue by OSHA, the safety agency found that the contractor failed to conduct the required inspections of the wire ropes on the crane, including the boom that killed the worker. Other alleged violations included allowing a worker within the crane's "fall zone" and additional fall and impalement hazards.

According to a statement issued by OSHA's area director in Manhattan, Kay Gee, "Had the proper procedures been followed, this incident and this worker's death could have been prevented."

New York Workers' Compensation & Third Party Claims

If anything, this crane accident demonstrates just how dangerous New York construction sites can be. It is important for those injured in construction accidents to know what their potential remedies are. First, injured New York construction workers are often eligible for workers' compensation benefits. And, even though workers' compensation is often the exclusive remedy for many injured New York workers, occasionally there does exist the possibility of something called a third party claim.

If your injury was not caused by your employer or co-worker, you may have a viable third party claim - for example, if you were injured by the negligence of a delivery truck driver. Basically, the negligence on the part of any third party may provide additional remedies for your injuries.

The law surrounding personal injury claims for construction workers is often complex and difficult to navigate in New York. If you have been injured on the job, it is important to speak with an experienced construction accident attorney to be advised of your rights and options.

Article provided by Robert A. Koenigsberg Law Offices
Visit us at www.nyworkerscomplawyer.com