Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers: Safety Jeopardized by On-the-Job Drinking

After a recent undercover investigation by a New York television station revealed construction workers drinking during their work day, the New York City Building Trades Employers’ Association has vowed to make changes. Together with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), it has been suggested that mandatory alcohol testing could someday become law. The news comes on the heels of a New York City crane collapse in February which killed one and left two others seriously injured as a result of the construction accident.

In Philadelphia, more private sector workers suffered fatal injuries in construction accidents in 2014 than in any other profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 20 construction workers were fatally injured on Philadelphia construction sites, a dramatic increase from 2013. The BLS further maintains that nine of the fatalities resulted from falls, slips or trips, six were related to transportation incidents and two were later attributed to exposure to harmful substances.

Because of the heavy equipment, grueling physical demands and vertical height involved on most construction sites, it is imperative that construction workers take the unique dangers posed by their job seriously. A momentary lapse in attention or judgment can mean the difference between life and death. Construction workers must be provided with adequate training on all safety procedures, and only be allowed to operate machinery for which they have been certified to use.

According to the investigative report, which involved surveillance of four separate construction sites within New York City, several construction workers were seen imbibing beer and hard alcohol while on their lunch break. One of the workers – a carpenter – returned to his construction site and used a chainsaw, while another was tasked with rigging heavy loads onto a crane. Reports indicate that although some of the employees have been fired, union and city officials remain undecided on the particulars of how and when drug and alcohol tests might become mandatory on New York City construction sites. A spokesman for the union indicated that the issue could be subject to collective bargaining.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Injured Workers

Construction sites are fraught with danger, and any steps that can be taken to ensure a safer workplace should be taken. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law will fight for your right to compensation in court. With offices conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County and Atlantic County. Call us today at 215-426-4493 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.