Our New York Construction Injury Lawyers Help Demolition Workers Hurt on the Job
Your job is to remove old buildings to make way for new buildings, infrastructure, or open spaces. You take pride in your work, knowing you're paving the way for new development and growth. However, you also know that even controlled demolition is inherently dangerous.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we understand the unique risks demolition workers face. As experienced New York and New Jersey construction injury attorneys, we've helped other hardworking people like you get the recovery they need after demolition accidents. In this article, we’ll discuss safety measures that could prevent controlled demolition accident injuries and what to do if you’re hurt in a demolition accident.
The Importance of Proper Planning and Structural Analysis
One of the most critical aspects of demolition safety is proper planning. Before any work begins, the demolition contractor should conduct a thorough structural analysis of the building to identify potential hazards and develop a comprehensive plan for the project.
This analysis should include an assessment of the building's stability, the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead, and the location of utilities and other infrastructure that may be impacted by the demolition. Based on this information, the contractor can develop a detailed plan that outlines the sequence of work, the equipment and techniques to be used, and the safety measures that will be in place to protect workers and the public.
Failure to properly plan and prepare for a demolition project can lead to catastrophic accidents. For example, if a building's structural integrity is not adequately assessed, it may collapse unexpectedly, putting workers and bystanders at risk. Similarly, if hazardous materials are not identified and properly handled, workers may be exposed to dangerous chemicals that can cause serious health problems.
As a demolition worker, it is important to know that your employer is taking the necessary steps to plan and prepare for your project. If you have concerns about the safety of a particular job site, don't hesitate to speak up and raise your concerns with your supervisor or union representative.
Hazardous Material Handling and Disposal Protocols
Many older buildings contain hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and PCBs that can pose serious health risks if not properly handled and disposed of during demolition. Asbestos is a significant concern, as exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other life-threatening diseases.
To protect workers and the public, strict debris management regulations govern the handling and disposal of hazardous materials during demolition.
As a demolition worker, it's critical to ensure that you have the proper training and equipment to handle hazardous materials safely. This may include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators and coveralls, using wet methods to suppress dust, and following proper decontamination procedures.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to hazardous materials on the job, it's important to seek medical attention immediately and report the exposure to your employer and the appropriate authorities.
New York's Specific Requirements for Demolition Safety
New York has specific demolition safety regulations for worker safety and public safety. 12 NYCRR Section 23-3 provides specific procedures demolition contractors must follow for planning, preparing, and executing demolition projects. Some of the essential requirements include:
Preparing a Building for Demolition
Preparations include:
- Removing exterior glass
- Capping or sealing gas, water, electric, steam, and other supply lines to the building
- Protecting adjacent structures
- Installing necessary barricades
- Taking necessary measures to control dust
Demolition by Hand
The regulations include specific requirements for demolition by hand, such as:
- Demolition of walls and partitions. Taking down walls and partitions requires controlled demolition.
- Methods of operation. Compliant chutes, buckets, and hoists, or approved openings in the structure's floors should be used to remove debris, bricks, and other materials.
- Safe footing. When removing exterior walls, workers must be provided with sound flooring, compliant scaffolds, or another secure footing.
- Wall openings. During demolition operations, all windows and openings within a 20-foot radius of any opening used for debris removal from upper floors must be securely boarded up to prevent debris from accidentally passing through.
- Access to floors. Safe ways must be available to enter and exit all parts of the demolition project.
- Protection from falling debris. To protect workers from entering an area exposed to falling debris or materials from above, any floor in such a zone must be securely boarded up or cordoned off.
- Demolition of floor arches. Before the demolition of a floor arch, debris and materials must be removed from the area and secure planks must be provided.
- Storage. Storage areas must not interfere with workers’ safety when entering, exiting, or working.
- Catch platforms. Catch platforms are required to protect workers during the demolition of exterior masonry walls or roofs over 75 feet off the ground unless scaffolding provides equivalent protection.
Mechanical Demolition
Mechanical demolition includes crane booms, clamshell buckets, power shovels, bulldozers, and other mechanical devices or equipment used to take down buildings. If mechanical demolition methods are used, there are:
- Height requirements. The building or other structure should not be over 80 feet off the ground.
- Structural stability concerns. Walls, chimneys, or other parts of the structure that could fall or collapse because of wind or vibration need to be supported during demolition.
- Demolition zone requirements. Specific safe zones need to be maintained around the demolition area. The specific area depends on the type of mechanical demolition method used.
Additionally, any demolition method not described above requires prior special approval.
Protecting Your Rights After a Demolition Accident
Despite safety measures and precautions, demolition accidents happen. If you are injured on the job, it's essential to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation and support.
In New York and New Jersey, demolition workers are generally covered by workers' compensation insurance, which provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability related to work injuries. Sometimes, third-party lawsuits are also necessary to protect the rights of injured workers and ensure fair recovery.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we have experience representing demolition workers who have been hurt on the job. We can help you navigate the workers' compensation system and explore any additional compensation options, such as personal injury lawsuits against negligent third parties.
