A previous post on this blog talked about a serious crane accident that left several people either dead or severely injured. This accident was just the latest in a string of accidents, most of which affected construction workers in and around the cranes.
The previous post also mentioned that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, was stepping up safety inspections of cranes. OSHA is the federal agency responsible for ensuring that workers in this country stay safe while on the job. In New York, a state agency, the Division of Safety and Health of the Department of Labor, fills this role.
Still, the important point is that there are many safety standards which apply to the construction, use and dismantling of cranes. At the federal level, for instance, there are detailed rules that describe exactly what safety equipment a crane needs and how the crane needs to be designed to ensure that its operators and those around the crane stay safe. The rules also cover how frequently owners must inspect their cranes.
While it may be difficult, employers in New York must follow all safety standards related to cranes and that apply to their situation. If they fail to do so, then a serious construction accident may be the end result.
After an accident involving a crane, an injured construction worker, or his or her family, may have a number of legal options. However, a good first step is for the victim to explore the possibility of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help families pay for things like medical bills and rehabilitation expenses. They can also cover a portion of a worker’s lost income.
