Open Elevator Shaft Accidents Lawyer

Over five thousand workers died on the job in 2019. That is an average of one hundred deaths (100) a week, or about 15 deaths a day. Approximately twenty (20%) of all worker deaths were in construction. Ultimately, construction workers face significant dangers on construction sites. Two of the top ten most cited OSHA standards violated in 2019 were fall protections. The number one OSHA safety violation was construction related fall protection. Falls are also one of the top causes of death for construction workers accounting for almost eight hundred and eighty (880) deaths last year alone and increased by eleven percent (11%). Construction accident deaths increased by almost six percent (6%) in 2019.

Open elevator shafts are a dangerous hazard on construction sites in New York. Open elevator shaft accidents can obviously cause significant injury or disability, paralysis and even death. Most open elevator shaft accidents occur because of a lack of posted warnings and unprotected openings. Sometimes construction workers accidently fall down a shaft while moving equipment or materials. However, with proper safety measures, most open elevator shaft accidents can be prevented.

Elevator accidents and falls are common. Recently in 2020, the Governor of New York signed legislation to improve elevator safety. The new legislation requires anyone engaged in the design, construction, inspection or maintenance or repair of the elevators be licensed in New York. The Law also creates a New York State Elevator Safety and Standards Advisory Board to help establish rules and enforce compliance with the new law.

Causes and Types of Elevator Shaft Accidents on Construction Sites

New York Labor Law Protections for Construction Workers

New York Labor Law offers protections for workers and those walking by or visiting construction sites. Some of these statutes are mentioned below and may provide relief in some elevator shaft accidents.

Section 241-a – “Any men working in or at elevator shaftways, hatchways and stairwells of buildings in course of construction or demolition shall be protected by sound planking at least two inches thick laid across the opening at levels not more than two stories above and not more than one story below such men, or by other means specified in the rules of the board.”

Section 200 – Provides general duty to provide for the health and safety of employees. All machinery, equipment shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.

Section 240 – Applies to workers and pedestrians hurt in elevation related accidents on construction sites. The law is commonly called the “scaffold law,” and protects workers involved in falls or having objects, like tools or equipment fall on them.

Section 241 – This law provides for health and safety of construction workers and could apply to falls from or near elevators and ensures that employers and contractors on construction sites abide by Rule 23 of the New York Industrial Code. Contact an Experienced New York Elevator Injury Lawyer

Elevator Accident Lawyers

We encourage any worker hurt in an accident to contact our personal injury construction accident lawyers for a free consultation. The lawyers of Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, P.C. have decades of experience in open elevator shaft accident law and we would love to talk to you about your injury and potential lawsuit. New York Law limits the time to file a claim so do not delay. We are in New York City and may be reached at (212) 847-5007or in Long Island at (718) 954-9986.

Review our history of millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements in construction accidents and premises liability cases. Take the time as well to read our testimonials from our satisfied personal injury clients.