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The winter months in New York are nothing to mess around with. The freezing temperature, ices, and snows completely change the lives of all residents. Imagine then what it is like for those that have to work outdoors such as construction workers. The inclement weather conditions make an already dangerous job that much more difficult and the potential for injury and illness goes through the roof. If you are an injured construction site worker, worker’s compensation may not be enough to cover the full extent of your injuries. Contact attorney Michael LoGiudice to discuss your legal options for further monetary compensation options.
What Are the Most Common Construction Site Injuries During the Winter Months?
Winter brings unique risks and dangers to construction workers. The icy inclement weather creates new potential for injury due to:
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Slip and falls: With ice, snow, and slush seemingly ever present in wintertime, slip and fall risk increases. To help ensure the safety of their workers, employers should make sure they use footwear with high-traction and pay close attention to where they are stepping. It also becomes even more important to employ safety lines when engaged in work at higher elevations.
Driving accidents: Everyone is at an extra risk driving in winter and construction workers are no exceptions. In order to mitigate the risk of driving accidents on construction sites, employers should always conduct regular vehicle maintenance checks. Workers should also receive additional training on operating vehicles and equipment in harsh winter weather conditions.
Weather-related stress injuries and illnesses: Being outside in the cold weather opens you up to cold weather specific injuries and illnesses that can leave permanent damage. Outside workers are at risk for things like frostbite that can permanently damage body tissue. They may also experience unsafe drops in body temperature leading to hypothermia. Hypothermia can cause loss of consciousness or even death. Trench foot is another thing to be aware of. When feet get cold and wet, they will lose heat at a much faster rate than dry feet. In a defensive move to prevent further heat loss, the body cuts off blood flow to the feet leading the skin tissue to die. Workers should not only make sure to always wear proper winter clothing and gear, but also learn to recognize the signs of any of these illnesses when they are oncoming.
When Dangerous Winter Weather Conditions Lead to Injury, Get Legal Counsel You Can Trust.
Few people want to brave the elements during a New York winter. Construction site workers already risk their lives at their jobs every day, but this risk increases during the bitterly cold months. When a worker is injured or comes down with a job related illness, expenses pile up quickly. Unfortunately, the legal processes to recover money from these losses can be extremely complex and not worker friendly. Experienced construction site injury attorney Michael LoGiudice knows how to access these systems and fight for the monetary recovery you deserve.