Gravity and Construction Sites

The obvious thought that comes to mind when thinking about how gravity can play an important role in construction site injuries is a construction worker falling to the ground from an elevated position.  An equally important and equally dangerous scenario arises when objects fall from an elevated position.  The New York Courts have placed an emphasis in ensuring that adequate safety devices are employed when hoisting or lifting materials so that the materials remain secure and the danger to the workers below is decreased significantly.  Rocovich v. Consolidated Edison Co., 78 N.Y.2d 509, 577 N.Y.S.2d 219 (1991).

In a perfect world, proper safety devices would always be used on construction sites.  In the real world, however, construction companies are focused on maximizing profits.  This means that timelines must be followed and deadlines must be met.  Sometimes in all the haste, safety protocol and procedures are ignored.  The New York Courts have taken an interesting perspective on the harm caused by falling objects on a job site.  In Runner v. N.Y. Stock Exch., Inc., 13 N.Y.3d 599, 604, 895 N.Y.S.2d 279, 282 (2009), the Court of Appeals turns the focus of whether “..the harm flows directly from the application of the force of gravity to the object.”  Under these guidelines, actually being struck by the object may not even be a prerequisite to a cause of action.

Labor Law Attorneys

If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident, please call The Law Firm of Vaughn & Weber, PLLC at (516) 858-2620 to speak with a Labor Law attorney today!