Each day, construction workers face a myriad of threats, from falling off of ladders and suffering an injury caused by machinery to electrocution and falling debris. In Manhattan, and throughout the entire state of New York, it is absolutely essential for employers as well as those who work in the construction industry to understand the importance of preventing construction accidents. Regrettably, some employers fail to ensure that job sites are safe, which is why workers should also keep a close eye out for potential dangers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration outlines a number of ways that people can prevent construction accidents. For example, workers should erect scaffolds no less than 10 feet from a power line and with firm footing. Furthermore, it is important to inspect scaffolds periodically to ensure they are safe. To avoid potentially deadly falls, workers should make sure that all floor holes are covered and take advantage of body harnesses, when necessary. To prevent workers from tripping, workers should never let walkways become cluttered.

According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, it is crucial to regularly inspect and maintain equipment. Also, workers should understand the importance of reporting any possible job site hazards to their supervisors right away. Sometimes, mishaps on the job are inevitable, but workers can decrease the chances of suffering an injury or losing their life by wearing the proper protective gear at all times. Sadly, many lives could have been saved (and permanent injuries prevented) if construction workers and the companies that employ them made safety a top priority.