Proper arrangement of materials and housekeeping on job sites is required to prevent construction accidents. A simple lack of cleanup in the workday can cause various injuries, including minor trips, broken toes, or even falling from several stories high. When such injuries occur, knowing who is liable for the employee’s medical costs, pain, suffering, and income losses are essential. If you are injured on the work site, you should contact a Syracuse construction accident lawyer.
Injuries caused due to poor housekeeping
The New York law requires contractors and owners to make construction sites as safe as possible. Contractors and site owners should comply with the rules made by the Commissioner of the Department of Labor.
- Storage of materials
All building materials should be stored in an orderly and safe manner. Materials should be piled as long as they are stable under every condition and located in a way that does not obstruct any walkway, passageway, stairway, or other thoroughfare.
- Fall and collapse protection
Equipment and materials should be kept from the floor, scaffold, or platform in such weight or quantity that could exceed the safety while carrying capacity of the surface. Equipment and materials should not be placed or stored close to the edge of a platform, floor, or scaffold so that the placement can endanger any individual beneath such edge.
- Disposal of debris
Debris can not be disposed of or handled by methods that could endanger any individual employed in the disposal area or any individual lawfully frequenting such place.
Standards for construction housekeeping practices
To make aware of safety standards for housekeeping on construction sites, the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has introduced some laws, which are mentioned below.
- Debris removal
Noncombustible materials, scrap lumber, and form with protruding nails and other debris should be cleared from sites where construction, repairs, or alteration are performed. Also, to clear the active work areas, all stairs, passageways, and areas around the buildings and other structures should be clear of debris.
- Waste containers
Containers should have a separate trash collection (nontoxic), hazardous waste, used and oil rags, and other refuse according to the method of disposal or destination. The containers should be covered to prevent sparks or ignition from contacting waste materials. Every trash and other waste should be disposed of frequently and regularly.
- Removal of combustible materials
Combustible debris and scraps should be removed regularly during the course of construction work. Employers should be responsible for carrying out regular debris and trash removal in a manner that prevents excessive hazard exposure to employees who eliminate such waste.