Lawmakers in New York are taking measures to prevent construction accidents. As of March 1st, 2018, all construction workers in New York City are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of OSHA training under Local Law 196. Site Safety Coordinators, Site Safety Managers and Construction Superintendents must complete at least 40 hours of training. However, the number of required hours of training will increase in 2019.
By this time next year, construction workers will be required to have at least 30 to 45 hours of training. The only workers exempt from this new law are flag persons, registered architects, special inspectors, delivery persons, professional engineers, certain Department of Buildings licensees and workers who only do minor alterations on one- to three-family residences.
Employers who fail to ensure that all their workers have the proper training may face a fine of up to $5,000 per worker, as well as a $2,500 fee if the employer fails to keep an accurate log of all employee training.
Protecting those who do so much
In a thriving city like New York, construction workers are always in high demand. Unfortunately, construction is a dangerous occupation that often results in severe injuries or death of workers.
In 2017, more than 600 construction workers were injured in worksite accidents, and in the first two months of this year, 16 people were injured at work sites. Despite measures taken in the past, far too many accidents are still happening on construction sites as a result of improper job site training. Implementing Local Law 196 is a big step toward ensuring that all construction work zones are safe. Mandating OSHA training and requiring steeper fines for all employers who do not abide by this law holds those employers and managers responsible for the activity at their site.
The workplace accident lawyers at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton and Romano know that we need construction workers, especially in a thriving city like NYC. They play a vital role in keeping our city running year after year. Because of construction workers, we know that our schools, homes and businesses are sturdily built. They shouldn't have to risk their lives to provide for their families or build for ours.
In return, our construction workers need us to fight for their rights. If you or a loved one were injured in a construction accident, contact us today.