Construction Site Safety Attorney

OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR 1926) establish detailed requirements for fall protection, scaffolding, excavation, electrical safety, crane operations, and hazard communication specific to construction. California's Cal/OSHA Title 8 adds additional construction-specific requirements. New York Labor Law §§ 200, 240, and 241 impose strict duties on property owners and general contractors for construction site safety.

New York Labor Law § 240(1), known as the Scaffold Law, imposes absolute liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries on construction sites — including falls from heights, falling objects, and similar hazards. This is one of the strongest worker protection statutes in the nation. The owner/contractor is liable even if the injured worker was partially negligent.

Yes. While workers compensation is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer, you can sue third parties — including property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers — for negligence. In New York, Labor Law §§ 240 and 241(6) provide statutory causes of action against owners and contractors independent of negligence. California allows third-party suits with comparative fault.

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and get medical treatment. Document the scene with photos if possible. Identify witnesses. File a workers comp claim promptly. Report the incident to OSHA/Cal/OSHA if a serious injury or fatality occurred (employers are required to report within 8/24 hours). Consult an attorney before giving recorded statements to insurance companies.