Managing Partner
New York law requires owners and contractors to take steps to make construction sites as safe as possible for employees. Specifically, the Department of Labor has enacted specific construction safety laws in Part 23 of the New York Industrial Code to protect construction employees while on the job. In this article, we discuss steps employers can take to comply with New York’s construction safety regulations and prevent equipment failures on NYC construction sites.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
First, it is imperative to implement a maintenance schedule and adhere to that schedule. Ways to ensure adherence to a maintenance schedule include checklists and software. Scheduling preventative maintenance can help prevent and address mechanical issues. On the other hand, the failure to routinely perform maintenance on construction equipment can result in equipment failure and injuries.
Conduct Training
Training may be the most important thing employers can do to avoid equipment-related injuries on the worksite. After all, many equipment-related injuries result from human error, including errors regarding the maintenance and use of such equipment. Without appropriate training, equipment-related accidents are bound to happen. Therefore, in addition to performing routine maintenance on construction equipment, employees should receive training on the proper operation of machinery and how to identify signs of equipment issues.
Monitor Environmental Conditions
Even construction equipment that is designed for extreme weather conditions can be affected by increasing and decreasing temperatures. For example, hot temperatures can affect the flow of oil in machinery, while cold temperatures can cause battery issues. To help prevent these weather-related issues, it’s important to properly store equipment, regularly check fluids, and keep equipment in an enclosed space.
Check Fluid Levels
Lubrication is a key factor in preventing equipment failures on NYC construction sites. Therefore, hydraulic fluids, transmission fluids, gear oils, and coolants should all be used in accordance with each equipment manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, it is important to avoid mixing cheap oil with these types of fluids and to avoid contamination. Fluid maintenance should be addressed as part of the preventative maintenance schedule discussed above.
Monitor Machinery Wear and Tear
Every piece of equipment on an NYC construction site has a lifecycle. However, the lifecycle of each machine can be increased by monitoring all equipment for signs of wear and tear. Common types of wear and tear on construction equipment include degraded metal components, corrosion, loose bolts, and worn-out tracks. Each of these types of wear and tear present serious dangers to those in the vicinity of the piece of equipment.
Contact a New York & Long Island Construction Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Long Island or New York, you should contact an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our experienced New York construction accident attorneys have what it takes to obtain financial compensation for construction accident victims and their families. Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.
