Construction Site Confined Space Accidents
We Are New York's Go-To Construction Worker Injury Law Firm
Confined space accidents can be sudden and fatal – especially in the construction industry, which is full of confined space hazards like trenches, storage tanks, and large machinery. Getting trapped in a confined space can lead to accidents such as inhalation of toxic fumes or being struck by falling equipment. These incidents can result in lung damage, brain damage, or even death.
Some construction occupations are at a heightened risk for a confined space accidents, such as general laborers, first-line supervisors, plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, cleaners, truck drivers, pipelayers, and maintenance and repair workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
New York’s trusted workers’ compensation law firm for over 80 years
In New York City, most injured employees have a right to workers’ compensation for medical care and lost wages due to their on-the-job injuries or illnesses. Pasternack, Tilker, Ziegler, Walsh, Stanton & Romano LLP confined space accident lawyers are relentless in the pursuit of answers, justice, and compensation for our clients. We take pride in fighting for hard-working injured people to get back on their feet after a bad work accident or illness.
If you were injured or a loved one died in an NYC working in a confined space accident, you probably have a lot of questions. Get answers, contact Pasternack, Tilker, Ziegler, Walsh, Stanton & Romano LLP for a free case consultation. We can answer your legal questions about the work accident, estimate the value of your claim, and help weigh your options.
What are examples of construction work site confined spaces?
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a confined space as being an enclosed or partially enclosed area that is not designed for continuous occupancy. It has limited entry and exit points but provides enough room for workers to go in and perform certain jobs. Examples of confined spaces at construction worksites include:
- Scaffolding, catwalks, and utility poles.
- Crawl spaces.
- Vats, septic tanks, water tanks, oil storage tanks, storage bins, trash bins.
- Trenches, tunnels, channels, ditches, excavations.
- Wells, cisterns, pools, storm drains, and sewers.
- Heavy machinery like sand hoppers.
Wherever your accident happened, our law firm will conduct a thorough investigation and collect critical evidence to support your claim. We put the highest value on your health and future for maximum workers’ compensation benefits.
Confined space inhalation hazards at construction worksites
Inhaling toxic fumes or microparticles in confined spaces can be lethal. That’s because poorly ventilated confined spaces trap and concentrate toxins and particles to the point where it becomes dangerous to workers.
Confined space inhalation accidents can happen within a matter of seconds, minutes, or hours depending on the type of hazard. Factors include ventilation, available exits, and the quality of personal protective equipment (PPE) being correctly used.
At construction sites, common inhalation hazards include:
- Fibers and dust – Wood, chalk, sheetrock, glass, ceramic, rockwool, ash.
- Toxic fumes - Methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, melting asphalt and plastics, and welding byproducts.
- Work solutions, solvents, and cleaners - Shellac, varnish, lacquer, paint, degreasers, solvents like acetone, and benzene.
- Dangerous chemicals - Hydrogen sulfide, sulfur.
- Mold.
- Asbestos (which can lead to mesothelioma).
- Smoke.
- Sprayed materials such as insulation.
Long-term exposure to toxic fumes and construction fibers can also cause a worker to develop a life-threatening illness or injury over time. These workers may also be eligible for benefits.
Call a relentless workers’ compensation lawyer to get the benefits you deserve
If you were injured or a loved one died in a confined space construction accident, Pasternack, Tilker, Ziegler, Walsh, Stanton & Romano LLP can take on the insurance company for you. With us on your side, you can feel confident that your case is moving forward while you heal. With 80 years of serving New York City and surrounding communities, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to get results for confined space accident victims.
You should know that you can afford representation from one of our high-quality lawyers. Pasternack, Tilker, Ziegler, Walsh, Stanton & Romano LLP handles workers’ comp and injury lawsuits on contingency. That means there is no down payment, upfront costs, or out-of-pocket expense for our services. Our fee is an agreed-upon percentage of the settlement or verdict. If we don’t get you a favorable outcome, you don’t pay us.
A member of our team is available to hear from you now. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation today.