Hard Hat Accidents

Hard Hat Laws in NYC

According to OSHA regulations, all construction companies need to ensure that workers have access to the required safety equipment. This often includes giving them access to gloves, boots, and hardhats. Anyone who works on a site that has the potential for a head injury is required to wear a hard hat. If the construction company does not enforce the hard hat rule, they could be liable for a hard hat incident.

It’s not enough for an employer to allow any type of hard hat. Rather, the hats need to meet the strict requirements set by OSHA. Over time, dents and cracks make hats less effective. They don’t give workers the protection they need from falling debris and tools. Sadly, the result is often a devastating injury.

The construction company is responsible for verifying that all of their hats are up to the current standards. But this doesn’t always happen. In an effort to save money, they might use older hard hats that are no longer effective and they may not regularly inspect the hats. By failing to comply with OSHA standards, the company could be liable for your accident.

What Hard Hat Care Should Be Done?

• Replace the Shell

  Hard hats should be replaced every five years or sooner. As soon as the shell looks brittle or shows some cracks, it is no longer safe to use.

• Check the Chin Straps

  It’s also important to look at the chin straps. You should replace the chin straps every year, or sooner if the strap is brittle or breaks off. Without a chin strap, there’s no way for the hat to remain on your head during an accident.

• Clean With Soap and Water

  Paint or other chemicals can damage your hard hat. Therefore, you should only use soap and water to clean it.

Injuries Associated with Hard Hat Accidents

There are several injuries that can occur as a result of your construction accident in NYC. One of the most common hard hat accident injuries is a traumatic brain injury. Every year, about 500,000 people die from this type of injury. If you survive, you may experience permanent physical and mental difficulties. You might lose your memory, have vision loss, or suffer from personality changes.

A falling object can easily cause a traumatic brain injury. Whether or not you have on a hardhat, a falling object has the potential to seriously damage your brain. If your helmet is not up to OSHA standards, the worst could happen.

There are other minor injuries associated with this type of accident. For instance, you may have a laceration on your head or a concussion. Although neither condition is as serious as a traumatic brain injury, you still need medical treatment.

What to Do After Your Accident

Immediately after your accident, you should report the incident to your supervisor. It’s crucial that you have a detailed report of the accident.

You should also seek medical attention. Although you might think your hard hat protected you, you can’t be certain until you see a doctor. A medical professional will tell you whether or not you show signs of a head injury.

If you were injured, you need to submit a workers’ compensation claim. The process takes time and can be challenging. While you don’t need to prove that your employer was at-fault for the accident, you still need to fight for full compensation.

There’s also a chance you could file a personal injury claim against a third-party. Someone besides your employer may be liable for your accident. In this case, you could file a personal injury claim to seek compensation. Your lawsuit could result in money for pain and suffering, missed wages, and more.

Getting the Help You Deserve

Fortunately, you’re not on your own. A construction accident lawyer in NYC is ready to take on your case. Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP is ready to handle your workers’ compensation or personal injury claim. To get started, call us today at 646-480-0830 or contact us online.

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