The New York City Department of Small Business Services is doing its part to protect construction workers at small firms. Companies with 15 or fewer employees could receive grants to provide site training safety for their workers.
The program could benefit up to 40,000 construction workers employed by small businesses. Under local law, most construction workers must complete the training by Sept. 1, 2020.
Qualified businesses could be reimbursed for as much as 100 percent of the cost.
“Every worker who leaves for a job site in the morning deserves to come home safely at night,” Department of Buildings Commissioner Melanie La Rocca said.
Accidents, Injuries on Rise
Underscoring the importance of safety training is the fact that construction site accidents and injuries skyrocketed by 69 percent and 71 percent, respectively, over a five-year period:
- 2014: 231 accidents, 217 injuries, 8 deaths.
- 2015: 435 accidents, 472 injuries, 12 deaths.
- 2016: 593 accidents, 597 injuries, 12 deaths.
- 2017: 650 accidents, 671 injuries, 12 deaths.
- 2018: 746 accidents, 761 injuries, 12 deaths.
Making matters worse for workers, construction site injuries can be devastating:
- Burns and scarring
- Head injuries, including lacerations, concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to partial or full paralysis, lifelong disabilities and brain damage
- Broken, fractured and crushed bones
- Limb or digit loss
- Loss of hearing
- Stress injuries related to repetitive movements
- Loss of eyesight
When Hurting, Seek Medical and Legal Relief
If you’ve been injured in a construction site accident you could be facing a lengthy period away from work or even permanent disability. You may be unable to provide for your family as medical bills soar. If you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, your employer is unlikely to admit any fault and probably will blame your injuries on you while hiding behind their lawyers. An insurance company, knowing you are desperate, will try to tempt you with a financial settlement that comes nowhere near what you and your family need or deserve. Under the worst circumstances, you are dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one.
The construction site accident and workers’ compensation lawyers at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, have been dealing with cases just like yours for 80 years. They have built their reputation on vigorously fighting for the rights of New Yorkers. They will investigate your accident, determine who is responsible and hold them accountable. Let them deal with the lawyers, insurance companies and the workers’ compensation bureaucracy while you focus on your healing.
Contact them today for a free case consultation.