Given New York City’s steady construction activity, the NYC metropolitan area is no stranger to construction accidents. One of the major causes of construction industry occupational injuries identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were poor hazard communication standards. Accidents stemming from poor hazard communication standards occur when employers fail to notify & protect construction employees from possible workplace chemical or dust hazards that could lead to severe NY construction workplace injuries. Before you head off to work on your present or future construction project, it is important to become aware of the various types of poor hazard communication standards to watch out for so you can avoid potential NY construction workplace accidents. If you or someone you know sustained injuries or death as the result of a NY construction workplace accident concerning hazardous communication standards, the experienced NY injury lawyers at The Ashley Law Firm can help determine if you have a possible claim.
How Hazard Communication Standards Can Cause NY Construction Workplace Accidents
Given the fact that about 32 million construction workers work with and are potentially exposed to one or more chemical hazards, hazard communication standards are a crucial issue in helping prevent NY construction workplace accidents. Poor hazard communication standards can occur on NY construction worksites in the form of various situations, and ranks second among the top construction site violations for 2013. In general, chemicals that are used at worksites can cause health hazards such as irritation, sensitization and carcinogenicity. NY construction worksites can also as environmental hazards to worksite machinery such as flammability, corrosion and reactivity.
Although chemical companies are required to state possible risks their chemicals may pose on their product labels, construction employers are required under OSHA standards to distribute hazard communication policies and programs to employees to set out standards to prevent the likelihood of NY construction workplace accidents. In essence, if construction employers are not doing the following, there’s a very good chance that they’re not using legally-acceptable hazard communication standards:
- Identify & list hazardous chemicals in workplaces.
- Obtain MSDSs and labels for each hazardous chemical, if not provided by the manufacturer, importer or distributor.
- Develop and implement a written hazard communication program that incorporates labels, MSDSs, and employee training.
- Communicate hazard information to employees through labels, MSDSs and formal training programs
If you find that your construction employer is not following through with implementing the aforementioned steps, do not hesitate to speak up and question why. The OSHA also offers a good list of frequently asked questions regarding hazard communication standards. If you feel that you have suffered occupational injuries through exposure to chemicals, it is important to consult with an experienced NY workers comp law firm for immediate assistance.
How Our NY Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Construction Workplace Accident Claim
If you or someone you know sustained injuries or death from lax hazard communication standards at work, contact the best NY injury lawyers at The Ashley Law Firm. Our experienced NY injury lawyers are very experienced in the area of New York hazard communication laws, and will research the facts of your case and relevant laws to determine whether you have a potential NY construction workplace accident claim based on your occupational injuries. If we do find you have a possible NYC construction workplace accident claim, our best NY injury lawyers will work with you to craft a legal strategy that will give your claim the strongest chance for succeeding in court.
Contact The Ashley Law Firm today to set up an initial consultation with our best NY construction lawyers and NYC construction attorneys, and let our NY workers comp law firm help you take the first step toward determining whether you have a possible NY hazard communication standards work claim.
