How is Labor Shortage Causing Labor Accidents?
The construction industry in New York City is experiencing a boom, but the construction sites are more sparsely populated than ever. The shortage of labor in the construction industry is putting workers’ safety at rise. Construction project employers are having a hard time finding skilled and qualified candidates to work on thousands of infrastructure projects. Hiring workers who are less qualified just to fill a labor shortage often leads to various kinds of safety risks for other workers. Being injured at a construction site can be life-changing. If you have been in any such situation, construction accident lawyer Manhattan will be your guiding angel for claiming rightful compensation. There are several reasons for labor accidents due to labor shortage, these include: – Inexperience As construction projects are becoming increasingly technical, tradesmen are leaving the industry and hence the extra layer of security that is no more there leads to injuries in inexperienced workers. The shortage forces the companies to employ people who are unfamiliar with the job and the common construction site hazards, making it more likely to place themselves and others in danger. Overload of Work When there is a shortage of labor, the laborers who are working on the construction site are made to work for longer hours, often with little to no breaks so as to make up for the lack of manpower. Longer work hours can lead to fatigue and stress which is another cause of accidents. The workers are made to take on additional tasks for which they are not even trained. As a result, they are more likely to commit mistakes that end up in injury. Reduced Supervision With less workers around, the employee might become casual with the safety equipment and supervision. This can lead workers to not follow proper safety protocols and take shortcuts, which can also be a cause of injury. What Can Be Done to Prevent Labor Accidents from occurring Due to Labor Shortage? Even though it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of construction accidents, but some safety measures and steps can reduce the number of accidents and injuries that occur every year. Let’s have a look at what can be done: – Every employee hired should be trained properly Employers should encourage workers to take breaks when they feel stressed and overworked. Ensuring that all safety equipment is in good working condition and is being used by all the workers. Supervision from time to time ensures that all safety measures are being followed. Create an environment where workers feel comfortable sharing and reporting their concerns about their and their colleagues’ safety and security. Your Employer is Responsible for your Safety According to OSHA, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace for all their employees. Even after such mandates, many employers are cutting corners to save money and time and risking the lives of their employees. If you have been injured while working at a construction site, you may be entitled to compensation. With the help of a construction accident lawyer Manhattan, you can file a case and get the compensation you need to cover your lost wages, medical bills and more. At Siler & Ingber, we have many years of experience in getting justice for injured workers and can do the same for you. Get in touch for a free evaluation of your case.
Most Common Forklift Accidents
Every year many workers get injured as a result of forklift misuse. Can these injuries be prevented? What is the cause of all these accidents? All such questions of yours will be answered in this blog. What is a Forklift? Forklift is a small industrial vehicle which is used to carry heavy materials in a non-roadway area. It has a power-operated forked platform which is attached at the front and can be raised and lowered for insertion under a cargo to move it or lift it. The order trucks and the power pickers also fall under the category of a forklift. Forklift is a tricky machine to work with. The injuries caused due to forklifts are often very serious compared to other workplace injuries. They lead to heavy medical expenses and a lot of time away from work for recovery. If you are a forklift operator or know someone who is and has been involved in a forklift-related accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. Common Forklift Accidents The forklifts are small industrial trucks mostly used in warehouses and storage facilities to move, raise or lower an object. There are different kinds of forklifts and depending on the type, they can be controlled by an operator who rides them or walks beside them. The forklift machinery is big in size which results in serious injuries and fatalities. Let us look at some of the common forklift accidents:- 1. Truck Falls One of the most dangerous activities to perform on a forklift is crossing a threshold. It could mean moving between areas in a warehouse or even moving in or out of a semi-trailer. Being a forklift operator you need to be vigilant all the time and should always ensure that it is safe to proceed, or else the forklift truck might fall. The reasons a truck falls can be:- Improper or Missing Dock Plate Worn or Damaged Truck Floor Slippery Floor 2. Falling Loads Forklift machines are not always tasked to carry simple loads like boxes and pallets. Many times they are used in carrying raw materials and small items that can fall off if not secured properly. A falling load can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians as well as the operator. 3. Rollovers This kind of accident occurs every now and then when the forklift operator feels the machine tipping. The causes of rollovers are:- Uneven Surface Abrupt Turns Unbalanced and Overweight Loads Elevated Load 4. Impacts with Pedestrians Forklift work is usually at places where people are working on foot around it. Hence, there are many accidents that involve pedestrians. These accidents are typically caused by lack of warning boards and signs or in case the operator is overworked, careless or distracted. Forklift machines though useful can cause some serious injuries too if the operator is negligent or the company lacks in maintaining some safety measures. If you have been involved in a forklift accident then you need to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Siler & Ingber’s law firm has some very experienced and skilled attorneys who can file your claim and help you get rightful compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and trauma. For a free evaluation of your case, contact Siler & Ingber.
