Did You Sustain an Injury as a Tunnel Worker?
New York is a city that is as vibrant above grounds as it is below it. There are intricate tunnels and subways that help the city function and transports individuals from one destination to another. However, these would not exist without the hard working men and women who work in the tunnels. Tunnel work can be extremely dangerous and requires extensive safety precaution. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) defines a tunnel as:
"An excavation beneath the surface of the ground, the longer axis of which makes an angle not greater than 20 degrees to the horizontal."
Because of the precarious nature of tunnels, there are certain rules and regulations to which employers must adhere. If they fail to comply, it can lead to disastrous injuries. If you or a loved one was injured in a tunnel accident, call our New York construction accident attorney.
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Failure to Uphold Safety Regulations
Because tunnel work can be so dangerous, the construction management and supervisors have a responsibility to comply with specific safety regulations. Failure to do so can result in severe injuries that can cause major pain and suffering.
Safety requirements for tunnel workers include:
- Air Monitoring and Ventilation – Because tunnel workers work in such tight quarters underground, it is important to check air quality and provide sufficient ventilation. The supervisor should do tests to check oxygen levels and make sure there aren’t any noxious fumes that will cause illness.
- Visibility – Like in any construction site, it is important that the workers can see what they were doing, especially because of the risks they have to take.
- Fire Prevention and Control – There are certain measures that must be taken while tunnel workers are doing construction work. There can be no smoking below ground and the supervisor should check for flammable gases and avoid using volatile materials around there.
- Check In / Out Procedure – All tunnel construction sites are required to have check in and check out procedures for all the workers present. This way the people can be counted to ensure no one is left behind.
- Safety Procedure – Some tunnel construction requires blasting and drilling. This is why tunnel sites needs safety procedures that protect the workers.
- Emergency Plans – Because of the precarious nature of tunnel work, sites need to implement emergency protocol in case something happens. Emergency plans and drills can help save lives and inform workers where they need to go in case the worst happens.
- Provisions for Cranes and Hoists – OSHA provides requirements for the use of cranes and hoists. These vehicles must have a certain limit switch and be constructed to work in tunnels. The wires used for the hoists and cranes must be five times stronger than the machinery.
Start Your Claim for Compensation
The tunnel accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm, want to protect your rights as a construction worker. It is the responsibility of your employer to provide safety provisions and adhere to OSHA’s regulations. If they do not, and you sustain an injury, you may have grounds to seek compensation. Our attorneys can help you with that! We have extensive experience fighting on behalf of injured workers. We won’t rest until you receive what you are owed. Call our New York construction attorneys today for a free consultation.