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: –
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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.
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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.
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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.